Despair

Despair
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Child-woman, lost, lonely,
Broken heart hidden
Within a storm of pain,
Stands buffeted by wounding winds
Beyond her waning strength.

Around her bowed head,
Flowing locks swirl,
Blinding eyes dimmed by dying tears.
Longing for peace, for comforting arms
Not provided by those who should,
Becomes a bludgeoning burden
Forcing slender shoulders
Ever lower to the ground.

Caused too young to carry weight
Of those much older,
Torn between conflicting loyalties,
She collapses, knees skinned,
Emotions battered, bruised,
Becoming another of life's casualties,
Her desire drowning in despair.