Where Were You?

I woke up screaming in the dark of my room. Half asleep when

the beating came too soon. Hands that were meant to keep me

safe. Turned every night into a test of pain. Bruises hidden where

no one could see. A child learning silence before he learned to plead.

I learned the sound of footsteps at night, and how fear tightens before the

light. I went to school with the marks on my skin.

Long sleeves hiding what I was in. Cane cord backing. Punishment dressed as

care. Every adult chose not to stare. Where were you when I cried