My name is Grace

My name is Grace
But of which I have seen very little. As a young girl I watched my mother hide in a cornfield from my father's wrath. Then it was my turn. Beaten into unconsciousness, I survived. Time to move on.
Goodbye Daddy
10 years old. A new father, new hope. No hitting, no violence. But a touch just as destructive and hurtful. A little girl forced into the role of a woman. I have to tell someone. Then it's on to court, forced to sit in front of strangers and tell my dirty secrets. I survived.
Innocence Lost
On to my uncle's house, a safe haven, or so I thought. Again a loving touch turns dark and hurtful. And again forced into a role that no child belongs in. I don't want to go to court again. But I survived.
Hope Gone
At age 15, I am pregnant by and married to a man twice my age . Now instead of homework, dances and graduation, I am changing diapers. Back to court again. Single with my own daughter to protect. I survived.
Youth Gone
23 and married to a loving husband. But too late for me. So, as my daughter plays next door, I take my husband's shotgun, put the barrel to my chest and say goodbye. I never survived. I died inside a long time ago.
Soul Lost
Another angel flying home on broken wings