Of Innocence Betrayed

Ah, tender soul, too soon oppressed,

By hands that ought to guard and guide.

Thy cradle rocked by pain unblessed,

And tears are hidden where they bide.

──⊱❉⊰ ──

The lullabies, once soft and sweet,

Are drowned beneath the cruel sound.

Where love should bloom, harsh shadows meet,

And trembling hearts lie sorrow bound.

──⊱❉⊰ ──

Yet still the child within may rise,

A fragile spark ‘midst endless night.

Though fear has dimmed the trusting eyes,

Hope lingers, faint but stubbornly bright.

──⊱❉⊰ ──

The world may turn with careless pace,

While suffering wears its silent crown.

No coin of pity, no embrace,

Can lift the burden of bruised renown.

──⊱❉⊰ ──

Oh, grievous wrongs that mar the young,

Thy memory covers like winter’s blanket.

Yet strength is born in hearts unsung,

And courage rises from what’s lost.

──⊱❉⊰ ──

Let no one forget the tender flame,

That trembles where the shadows creep.

Though cruel hands may mar its name,

The soul endures, and wakes from sleep.