XXOO?
A girl’s first kiss should be
like baby’s breath,
not taken in the dead of
night by theft.
Her youth was stolen by
an old man’s greed.
She grew up certain that
to live is to bleed.
An angry woman from a
heartsick girl:
Her song is echoed
all over the world.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil (who looked a lot like the little girl on the left in the picture)
For ABC Wednesday, brought to you by the letter “X.” In this case, the saddest kiss of all was my first. Also at my poetic safe room, Poets United.
PLEASE NOTE: To women, men, boys, girls: If this poem rings true for you, seek help, get counseling. If reading this hurts you in a vague, awful way and makes you want to drink or do drugs or seek other solace that’s unhealthy, try therapy – it’s worth the price to get your life back. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
Keep on telling them, Amy. You are a shining light.
Diane Turner
Wrenching. Great writing!
Roger Green
How terribly sad, and disturbing. you’ve gone thru a lot o stuff in your life, yet have so much to offer others. UR X-traordinary!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Viv, Diane, Roger. Tough to write, definitely.
El Guapo
True and strong.
Though it’s good to know that at least the author seems to have found at least some of the peace she deserves.
on thehomefrontandbeyond
devastating – sounds like you are trying to help others – wow
Debbie
God bless you, Amy, as you minister to others today.
Carver
Very powerful and poignant. Carver, ABC-Wed. Team
Lisa
Your words are both beautiful and sad. My heart aches for those in this situation, past and present. I think you may be a phoeniX!
Jae Rose
It is so hard to re-claim that kiss that is stolen..it can never be..but yes, learning..talking..writing..anything that brings some feeling back..Jae (beautiful photo)
Sharp Little Pencil
Jae. that’s the process, for sure… thanks, knew you would understand. Peace, Amy
Nikita
Simple yet profound! I wish life was a tad bit easier for people!
Rose Cottrill
Beautiful poem!
Xeronate
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Sharp Little Pencil
Rose, welcome, and since you left breadcrumbs for me, I’ll follow them back to your blog! Amy
lesliebc
I must admit my first kiss wasn’t great, but it was not stolen. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of any girl’s special moment.
Leslie
abcw team
Sarav
Amy my heart breaks for you and every child that suffers this abuse. Thank you for sharing your poetic words, maybe to save another life.
Love-Sara
leesis
:(.
And yes about the therapy. And if necessary keep trying to you get a good one.
Wanda
It can be stolen as a teenager too….like you said, age and sex doesn’t protect you. Have a daughter who was date raped…years of painful recovery. Thank you so much for all you are doing to help those who are fighting to help themselves.
Meryl
such a sad tale so sensitively woven and told!
Renee Espriu
Bringing to the fore again a delicate topic that needs to not go unnoticed. Cannot speak of personal issues in the past here but understand and connect as always. Well written.
zongrik
an angry song going round and round and round the world…so many people have that song, or recognize it
bonus track