18 Years
by Carlynne Hershberger
Is it meant to be.....
that a baby cries for the only voice she knows?
that a mother grieves for a lifetime?
that sisters can't share secrets?
that brothers can't protect?
that a child loses trust?
that what's primal doesn't matter?
that the wound is ignored?
that birthdays become burdens?
that her childhood is stolen from her mother?
that the state says no to who she is?
that lies become ordinary?
that a baby can't have the milk made for her?
that the mother is stolen from the child?
that a child lives life wondering?
that a mother lives life searching?
that strangers hold while family sits empty?
that children become chattel?
that money matters more?