I didn't know it was so common,
I didn't think it could happen to me too.
The bruises and scars upon their bodies,
Aren't spoken about, they're left alone.
It starts out minor most of the time,
They tell you it was a mistake,
The beatings are small and short,
But shouldn't be forgiven for
People can hear us, all the time,
They can hear the cries at night,
Nothing is said, no one understands,
No one knows of the pain, this isn't right.
"It's just stress," I tell myself,
The kids live in a life of fear,
They need something to take it out on,
I can't cry; no emotion can appear.
I found others have parents like mine,
Other kids even younger than me,
People can hear the cries, they can't deny,
They don't call the police; they don't even try.
Our cries for help are endless,
Our smiles aren't meant to be shown,
We're different, you can always tell,
We aren't happy, look at the bruises left behind.
Everything is kept quiet; no one can say they don't know,
We can't ask for help, our mouths remain closed,
Another day, another beating, it's the same routine;
We think every day, "Is it my fault, will I be OK?"
When we look sad, & you ask us why,
All we're allowed to say is "I'm fine,"
If you see the scars, don't ask how,
We won't tell you why, we can't.
Ask us honestly for the truth,
No problem, we'll lie to you too.
Ask us about our parents,
We fall silent, our truth must be bent.
It happens to other kids; people don't think it's true,
They can't believe others would do it too,
You can hear us at night, don't lie.
The whimpering, the hurting, don't deny.
Help the kids like us, silently crying out,
It's not fair please come & care,
We can't be treated like this, just say,
"Let me help, don't worry, I'll be there."
We can't speak up, we can't say much anymore
You'll hear the beatings more, if we say a word
Call some one, come over, and just try,
You know we lie about it, don't deny.
