Growing up having to hide
your tears and fears
from the one person who should
help you, not hurt you more
you do things, that you hope
will make her proud of you
or at least happy with you
but nothing works

Mom asked if it would be alright
if the man that molested me
spent Christmas Eve Night

I was asked would it be ok
if I did not get anything
for Christmas but a used
a camera that belonged to her
because there was no money

Then Christmas morning arrives
there are presents everywhere
but none for me

I had 1 dad and 3 stepdads
only one was a keeper
I thank the Lord for him
this man I knew as Joe.

                          By Connie Hopkins