WELCOME TO PAM'S WAY

THE CHILDREN ABOVE, EAGER FOR LOVE

By chance we did meet while I was walking our dog,
They were eager to pet him, eager for love.

Their bodies were scarred, the likes I've not seen, 
but bravely they smiled as they told of the crash.
The top of the hill, the other car speeding, 
then crossing the line, exploding in flames.
They watched as the others, just really teens, 
became human torches, thrown from their car.
Bravely the three hung onto life, 
defied all the odds and fought to survive.

The boy barely twelve, blond hair and freckles, 
eager and curious, wanting to live.
The girl who is ten will not see eleven; 
her body malnourished, her spirit seems crushed.
Her eyes filled with hollows, no strength to go on.
The youngest a girl barely turned eight, 
least hurt in the crash but crying from hunger;
Anxious for arms to help ease the pain, 
not understanding why no food again.

Their love for our dog brought light in their eyes, 
allowed us to see behind their closed doors.
Of sleeping on floors, no food in the frig, 
of discipline harsh, not fitting the crime;
Of a mother confused, of feeding herself  
while three sets of eyes hungrily watched
And a little girl dying before her own eyes.

A boyfriend of mother, harsh and abusive,
 in words and in actions to mother and kids;
Of an ongoing struggle of mommy and daddy, 
being shuttled 'tween parents still finding themselves
And lost in the shuffle are three special children, 
left to forage their way with only their smiles.
For years barely fed, their bodies too lean, 
but their eyes told their story, eager to love.

As I write this I cry, an ache in my heart, 
hoping I'm able in some way to help.
Despising their mother, but feeling compassion, 
detesting her boyfriend, why would she cling
To a man she admitted was not right for her?
Is a battle for custody really important
 to starve and abuse three little souls?

The eyes of these children tell of their story
Their smiles tell my heart they're eager for love,
The beautiful children, the children above.

	Pamela Pauley-Perreault		
	ŠJune 1995