'~stone hard grimace on porcelain face', yes we are all resposible for, as a society. This is sad and thoughtful of you. The number is ever on the increase and we are on the evolutionary path. Technological evolution have succeeded in metamorphosing the external. The savage inside remains the same.

Several reads of this just leaves me with an empty, sorrowed feeling. The whole stanza about turning one's eyes to see, really see, in itself is such a potent and powerful in-betwen-the-lines statement. A real powerful look into a sub-culture world that is alarming and infitely sad... sobering and such an excellent write (if I dare use the term to describe this tragedy).

there is no turning to stone in the face of these facts, but more a malleability we take upon us in the reading, and you present the sad fact of them in quite heartfelt way, as we would find it hard and unconscionable to turn away.

Painfully poignant poetry, Michele. This is definitely a contoversial subject and extremely well-crafted. It grates the nerve ending of every sensory cell, and it's had to imagine this could ever happen, whether you're a parent or not. Good stuff! Pe4ce...

When I go to Hollywood I often wonder if the out-of-towners know that so many young boys and girls in the tourist area are selling themselves to buy food and drugs. Heartbreaking poem, Michele.

Heavy, hard hitting reflection of a tragic reality...not just in the U.S. but throughout the world. Highly appropriate title also. Kudos!

Very powerful peice Michele. We forget sometimes what goes on in our own country; mostly thoughts of "Oh, that kind of stuff doesn't happen here." Ignorant thoughts at that.

A heart rending topic beautifly presented.. and I wonder which are the damaged goods... the innocent children.. or us?