Star

I walk this street now without fear, But the first time I returned, I wanted to tear down the sign, The one that said Royce Drive. When I thought I had moved on, Whispers reached my ear, Destiny points and says "You and her, You haven’t faced the darkness yet.”  
   
Little me rushes to my side, Grabbing my hand, Squeezing it tight. Together, we open each door, Each one hiding a story Too grim for words.  
The first words ring in my ear— "Get the bitch out of my face. "The first words my mother ever spoke to me. Some things, I could have lived without knowing.  
The beatings, The psychological manipulation, All I ever wanted was to hear, “I love you.” But no, those words were never mine.  
   
With each door that closes, I try to hide my hate, But it erupts, Pounding against the walls with fists and screams. You, dear child of me, You hug me, Trying to pull me through my fight.  
   
And then, The last door, You tug on my hand. I fall to my knees, And look into your eyes.  
You cup my face in your tiny hands, And you speak, "You told me we are strong and brave." You grab my hand and together we proceed to turn the knob.  
   
A child should never be kicked By steel-toed boots. No child should witness Such atrocities.  
The neighbors poisoned my dog, So you Johnny  dear Uncle of mine dragged her from beneath the house. She screamed in pain, But you didn’t stop, Dragging her outside the gate, Beating my star, kicking her over and over with the same boots you kicked my little brother with. Her frail body thrown in the trash can, As I watched, Frozen in horror.  
No child should witness that.    
   
You take me to the trash can my little me, And we place flowers inside. I can’t help but say, "Star, I love you. I wish I could have done more, But I was just a scared child."  
   
You look up at me, And whisper, "Star is in a better place, I just know it. She was such a good dog."  
You grab my hand, And together, We walk toward the exit door.    
   
NP