"Child"

It was just one little hit
because she'd had too much fun,
but then she ran away crying,
and my child's pain had begun.

This is a parent's love.
It is the wounds we keep so deep
that are finally set free
to trouble our child's sleep.

That was the 1st hit
and now this vicious cycle has begun
my child had once been so happy
but now the happiness is gone.

I never knew why I hit her
why I wanted to see her hurt,
but I couldn't stop the madness,
not even when I ripped her favorite shirt.

Each time I hit her, and she ran into her room,
I would sit there and cry
and tell myself
"Baby, this is the end. I promise I'll try."

But with each new hit
I was further away from recovery.
I wish I could hold her again,
just to hold her close to me.

My beautiful baby is now so sad,
all her happiness is gone
and all I can do is whisper through my tears,
"Lord, what have I become?"