Stark brutality
A lash tells many
many stories
Bruises form beneath
hidden, innocent skin
Poverty’s child
Wide eyes hopeful
Pitiful question
There’s no alibi
given in this moment
Wondering glance
A passing interest
is just passing
Never sees the darkness
in this fractured world
Passerby smiles
come far too cheaply
No clemency
or true sanctuary
is ever offered here
© Helen Valentina 2014, All Rights Reserved