Bridges are Burned

by Rachel RTVW   Jan 8, 2007


Bridges are burned and then they fall,
His deceitful ways destroyed it all.
This man I tell of had no place to live,
A family's generosity had one to give.

They lived in a home with a beautiful girl,
Big brown eyes, black hair without curl.
Innocence taken when she was about eight,
Parents weren't home but out working late.

He was trusted to watch her there with his wife,
Not knowing this would one day change their life.
He harmed the young child while his wife slept,
And for 5 years long this secret was kept.

Until one summer day, he did it again,
To his wife's sister and one of her friends.
They were the ones who finally told,
And the girl told her mom, a secret so old.

The girl had struggled with this all alone,
While her abuser lived happily, there in her home.
Then whisked off to jail he was gone at last,
A family was left there to deal with the past.

The irreversible damage and pain that they feel,
Caused them to give this sick man a deal.
The girls didn't want to see this man ever,
To testify for them, was too big an endeavor.

They now are awaiting the fate of this man,
For the girls to have closure if they possibly can.
The perpetrator on trial for all to see,
I'm glad in the end the truth was set free.

Bridges for him, were built and then burned,
A court and God, will give what he's earned.
I say to this man to have some repentance,
And I ask of the judge, maximum sentence.

Copyright©2007 Rachel Barnett

* This is based on a true story. The sentencing is on 2/01/07*

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  • 17 years ago

    by Fluffy

    "Bridges for him, were built and then burned,
    A court and God, will give what he's earned.
    I say to this man to have some repentance,
    And I ask of the judge, maximum sentence."

    ^A brilliantly structured piece. The rhyme and flow are equally consistent and the unveiling story is truly breathtaking. Well done :).

  • 17 years ago

    by Daisy if you do

    Another aspect on the terrible things that we as the abused feel. This was an awesome write with such emotion, I cried all over again. I have just come to grips with reality over the abuse I suffered when little. My secret was never told until recently. I am 36 and held it in too long. The revenge I sought was through prayer that God would do justice that would never be done earthly. He fulfilled my prayers with a long suffering slow death experience by my abuser. This is such a sore subject with me. I was finally able to write a poem of the same nature and when I did it relieved so much from me. You have done an excellent job with the telling of an actual story. I know that justice will never be served because the damage done can never be reversed.
    Dixie

  • 17 years ago

    by in.need.of.a.lucky.charm

    Aww. that was so sad, im so glad the girls spoke out, theres nothing worse than keeping something like that to yourself.

    much love and many kisses,
    bex

  • 17 years ago

    by BECCA lessTHANthree

    COMMENT # 3

    another spectacular one.. the emotion is good but not great .. the flow however is flawless once again.. its a very sad story and i hope that jerk does get the maximum sentence

  • 17 years ago

    by Kaila

    Wow this is excellent so far best poem ive ever read keep it up! i wish i could give it a 10/5 but i guess 5 will have to do!!!
    Loved it *kaila*

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