Who?

Mere babe, so tender and unknowing.

who were you?

Before thoughts were taught,

and curses and blows bound your heart in rigid fiber,

Were you trusting?

Before the door was empty,

and disappointment stole the hopeful breath within,

Were you innocent?

Before the love was lost,

and all your goodness was thrown and broken like shards of glass,

Did you love?

Dear babe, where have you gone?

Sweet tender babe, I search for you,

but find the cradle empty,

and blackened by the shadow of that man in the door.