Poetry by Val

The key to forgiveness lies, sometimes, buried

Amongst ruins and fire in our hearts.

We seem to hold on to the hurt that's been caused,

With chains that will not tear apart.

How easy, it seems, to never let go

Of the memories that smolder within;

Preventing the growth and forgiveness inside,

While our brewing continues in sin.

Such a battle, it seems, to forgive one's deeds

And rid our minds of the torturing pain;

Too soon we discover that it's holding us back,

Unable to live in God's name.

Sometimes, we'll try to get even with those

Whom we feel have cut deep in our hearts ~

When we should really leave the judgment to God;

Thus, allowing ourselves a new start.

When the Lord forgives all the sins that I bare

And allows me to begin a new slate,

Why should I not forgive those who've hurt me;

Letting Jesus determine their fate?

Let there be no mistake, for I have hurt some ~

Especially those I hold dear in my heart.

God has forgiven me for the damage I've caused.

Now, it's time that I did my part.

Looking through the eyes of a child

And wondering what they see,

Is it a world of happiness

Or one of catastrophe?

We know they'll see many shameful things

That they just won't understand,

In a world that's suppose to be loving

But torn apart by almighty man.

Children, by the millions, are paying a price

And are dying from hunger, each day.

Their cries can be heard all over the world.

Why are they suffering that way?

Some kids are left in the streets to die.

Society does not lend a hand

To protect these children from danger;

Impossible to understand!

Our world has become so hardened

That we don't do all we can

To save these children and let them live

As part of the freedom land.

Many go without clothing to wear.

They can't feel the warmth in the night.

Instead, they lay hungry and shivering;

Wee minds that are filled with much fright.

They do not know what tomorrow will bring.

But, for most, it will just be the same;

Hunger, suffering, and left in the street.

We cannot imagine their pain.

Through the eyes of a child, let's all do our part.

Let them know of a world that cares.

The good Lord is doing all that He can.

Of our good life, it's time that we shared.

Have you ever heard screams in the dead of the night,

A woman's weak voice filled with much fright,

The hands of a man that are striking their blow,

I ask God up above, why is this so?

The Lord hears her cries from high up above,

Is she a Mother, A Wife, or someone you love?

She may be a neighbor who lives down the street,

Whose tears are now falling as she's knocked off her feet.

Her children are crouched and gripped with such fear,

There is no one around to help or be near,

The panic that fills their heart and their soul,

Cannot be described or even be told.

Who could inflict such pain and disgrace?

Bruises and scars on their loved one's face,

These wounds will heal but not from the heart,

The Son's and the Daughters will be torn apart.

Where is the protection from man's brutal way?

How do we stop such a crime?

Violence toward women have shamed us for years,

From the very beginning of time.

No woman deserves to be treated unkind,

Their hearts shine a light for us all,

Love is not present when scorned and abused,

They never should tumble and fall.

The Crime Of The Century continues to grow,

Men should be filled with such shame,

While women are beaten to death everyday,

The laws are going unchanged.

If someone you know is suffering abuse,

At the hands of almighty man,

I beg you to stop it before it's too late,

Be counted and let's take a stand.

These so called men who are cowards at heart,

Have no place in the home or the streets,

When you go out shopping just turn your head,

And I'm sure there is one you will meet.

Once again hear my plea and do what is right,

Report what you hear or you see,

Let's all do our part to save God's child,

That surely will include me.

"Please Mommy, please Daddy,

Don't shake me no more.

My head hurts terribly

And my neck is so sore.

I'm losing my sight

And can no longer think.

What did I do

To break your love link?

Yes, I was crying and

Couldn't seem to stop.

I just needed changing

With the diapers you bought.

That's all that I wanted

To help me stop crying.

God, Daddy,

I feel like I'm dying!

My wee body is weak, now.

I can't breath no more.

Why did you do this?

My brain you have torn.

If only you would have

Talked to someone

Or taken a break

'Til my crying was done.

A soft warm blanket,

In a dark quiet room,

Would have stopped me from crying.

It would have been soon.

You could have cradled me

To make me feel loved.

But, now, I hear God calling

My name, from above.

I can't think of words

To tell you goodbye

Except, you will

No longer hear my cries.

You have taken my life

Before it begun.

You will no longer hold me.

There will be no more sun."

What happens to our children,

When they don't return from school?

You pray that they are playing,

And have just forgotten their parents rule.

Many times they are seen no more,

Nor will they ever be....

The victims of an Evil Force,

Who murders with a sense of glee.

Their battered bodies often found,

Only doors away from home,

Where lived a man who neighbors say,

Kept very much alone.

We cannot feel the grief and terror,

Of a Mother or a Dad,

Whose child is gone forever,

Abducted and found dead!

We must have Eyes so we can See,

Where our children Go To Play,

Keep them where they are Safe With Us,

So they Will Not Fall Prey!

Our little one's Are No Longer Safe,

The way they Used To Be,

When they could gather at the park,

And we didn't have to see!

Society now has Reared Its Head,

And So Many Things Have Changed,

It's No Longer Safe To Walk Alone,

For Fear Of The Deranged!

Be Sure To Ban Together Now!

With Neighbors From Your Block,

Unite and Watch Each Others Child,

Be Strong..Just like A Rock!