honor this child

honor this child
who brushed her hair
who washed her face
who said a prayer
and went to bed.

honor this child
who pretended to sleep
who listened for steps
who tried not to weep
and wished she were dead.

honor this child
whose body was growing
whose heart was afraid
whose mind was not knowing
who should have had peace

honor this child
who spent her young nights

dreaming and scheming and

screaming

while seeming 

to please
you.