I want to refer you to two compelling, powerful essays, both related to a very difficult subject: child abuse.
The first is Tansu by Jonathon Delacour. The second, written by Loren Webster and inspired by Jonathon’s work is The Simple Hell People give other People.
Hell is for Children
They cry in the dark, so you can’t see their tears
They hide in the light, so you can’t see their fears
Forgive and forget, all the while
Love and pain become one and the same
In the eyes of a wounded childBecause Hell
Hell Is For Children
And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
Hell
Hell Is For Children
And you shouldn’t have to pay for your love with your bones and your fleshIt’s all so confusing, this brutal abusing
They blacken your eyes, and then apologize
You’re daddy’s good girl, and don’t tell mommy a thing
Be a good little boy, and you’ll get a new toy
Tell grandma you fell off the swingBecause Hell
Hell Is For Children
And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
Hell
Hell Is For Children
And you shouldn’t have to pay for your love with your bones and your fleshNo, Hell Is For Children
Pat Benatar, Hell is for children