The neighbours had heard the child’s cries
but did not want to get involved
outside the appearance was of normality
curtains closed with a sense of despair
the wooden front door shut firm and tight
a report made of possible plight!
A social worker came to make a first call
ominously knocking on that door
unsure she waited for someone to answer
at last a young woman opened it ajar
an unpleasant odour wafted out of there
as she spoke with a pleading stare!
A whimpering could be heard from inside
but she was not allowed to enter
little was said as she quickly shut that door
the social worker could do no more
making her report it was filed an at risk case
soon they had forgotten this place!
Weeks passed and an urgent call was made
the police were soon knocking that door
breaking it down as screaming was heard
inside was a complete scene of squalor
a child of about ten was found nearly dead
lying still and helpless in a putrid bed!
They discovered a young woman distraught
trying hard to revive the poor child
two other kids ran around in a terrible state
within minutes the child was in hospital
the life signs the doctors said were not good
at his side at death his mother stood!
Such sadness when a child does not survive
his brother and sister taken into care
later at the enquiry each blamed the other
nothing resolved it will happen again
where is the next door with horrors to hide
desperate victims helpless inside?
The father never found the mother later died!
The Foureyed Poet.