deepundergroundpoetry.com
Lament for Joshua
This poem is dedicated to all abused and neglected children everywhere.
Joshua doesn't cry anymore
He never knew his name
He was always 'little bastard'
'Bloody pest'
Used to cry for his mum
But she'd never come
Now stands mute in his cot
This unwanted tot
Clad in only a vest
Mum’s boyfriend comes
Nearly every night
Filled with hatred, spite
Joshua can’t understand why
He beats him, the cigarette burns,
Terrible plight
He screams, defenceless
Beaten almost senseless
Raising matchstick arms
In pathetic protest
Mother comes in the morning
Today is special, orange juice
Instead of water
And a biscuit with his bread
Social worker’s coming today
Be quiet, be good
Like a good boy should
His mother said
Belly swollen
From lack of nutrition
Protruding ribs
Proclaim dire condition
Sits silent on piss-soaked bed
Eyes dead
Chewing his bread
She calls, young, naive
Ready to believe
Josh is with my mum
Other side of town
Sorry to let you down
Didn't know what to do
I've got a job interview
The woman believes
As the mother deceives
Leaves
Midnight: He’s drunk, angry,
Inadequate junky bum
Beats Joshua’s mum
Then turns on him
Temper hot
Hurls the child
Across the cot
He’s strikes his head
Flops on bed
Blood oozing from his nose and ears
This child of two and a half tortured years
Joshua doesn't cry anymore
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