Betty in the Coffee House

She had a smile
that could melt the ice forming
on the windows, melt
the cold December snow.
She turned
and she looked
at me.

Step Into Robin's World

Like I would,
with him again.

Trust, a word I do not know.
Beatings, abuse--physical, mental, emotional, sexual. All
of them. My emotions and body have seen nothing
but brutal torture. Welcome to the world
of the forgotten child.
Welcome to my world.

No mother,
no father,
no grandparents who care enough to step in,
to save me.

No social worker or teacher, nothing
like in the movies.
All they see is a sullen boy,
not worthy of love,
not worth being
rescued.

Like I have a choice
with him again.
As he says 'trust me.'

Only my mind is free.