A Child's Fear

I heard a young child speak but I heard no one else reply
Then I saw the child run in the corner as she knelt on the floor and cried.
Why do people ignore children: I just don't understand
I walked to her, and as she shivered, I took her by the hand.
We walked away together before I held her in my arms
And I promised her I'd keep her safe and wouldn't let her be harmed.
I laid her to rest that night but she insisted that I stay
She hugged me tightly before I had her close her eyes to pray.
And as she prayed, I asked the Lord to take away her fear
Before she said goodnight to me; she wiped away my tears.

© 1999 Peggy Marie Byrd