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Muffled cries fade into silence,
an occasional whimper
breaks the peace.
The darkness closes slowly
around the child
curled in the corner
clutching her knees.

On the sofa lies her mother
passed out cold
with no regret,
punishment issued mercilessly
when drunken expectations
had not been met.

At school the next day
she bears a bandage
to mask the result
of broken home,
searches for someone
to feel her sorrow.
Why must she feel so alone?

She has no choice,
another secret
must be kept
within her heart.
She watches from
the outside as
within she's torn apart.