Lost Childhood

She lay every night
And dreads his arrival
Predatory approach
That threatens survival

She feels the difference
Naïve adolescence
Her warrior spirit
And sage-like prescience

She feels like giving up
When hands begin to creep
But knows it’s not enough
To only hide and weep

Still, her fear restrains her
From speaking out aloud
His threats are in her ears
A strong voice sure and proud

His gun between her lips
Keeps her voice for a time
Until she realizes
His actions are a crime

It would be many years
Until she found the will
To jail her tormentor
The pain is with her still