I heard a cry of pain
The shrill filled the air
My body tensed in fear
In the dark I now did stare
What creature had done this
Inflicted pain on another being
Taking glee in their discomfort
Their discomfort relish seeing
Again I heard that scream
Shattering the silence of the night
I wondered who was in agony
As to be free of it they fight
I closed my eyes tightly
Not wanting to think of this no more
Knowing that another living soul
Was battered bruised and sore
I am suddenly awakened
By sounds too familiar to me
AN emergency is close by I know
I look out and now I see
A stretcher is being carried
A child lay motionless inside
No signs of life fill their body
This was the night they died
I heard a noise behind me
A man so large and mean walked by
Taken into custody for the killing
I hang my head and tears I cry
Could I have saved that precious soul
The one that had cried out in pain
If I had gone to them while they screamed
Instead of my own world remain
I will carry that in my conscience
From now until my last breath
Wondering if I could have made a difference
Before this child was taken from us by death
© Tall Mountain Dreamer January 16, 2008
