I had lots of dolls and toys

scattered on the floor

all over the maroon carpet

of my bedroom

I remember running from boys

and marking my height behind my door

It seemed nothing could stop it

etched so deeply near that broom

And on Sunday mornings when

I wore that frilly dress

with the jingly bell and lace

I felt just like a queen

So young and not knowing sin

I was naive, I confess

I didn't understand his hand on my face

nor the evil that soon was seen

His kisses, they tasted like salt

so acrid, gross, so sour

I was repulsed by his kiss

so forceful and rough it stung

Although I know better, I feel it's my fault

when I think back to that Hell's House

Why couldn't I have stopped this...

Back when I was young.

I

10/23/2002

Posted on 10/23/2002
Copyright © 2025 Melina Raven Maness Diebold