She came to live with us at 16, going on 27
Her 17th was the first birthday party she had ever had.

Lelah Marie (women I have known, stories I have heard poem two)

I listened intently
with a contorted face
thoroughly
confused conscience
as she recounted how she
for years had been
buying groceries,
cooking, cleaning,
answering mail,
signing checks,
attending school functions.
She even grounded her brothers.

All I could think
but not say was
WHERE THE FUCK
WAS THE MOTHER?
Then I realized
I was speaking to her
there never was any other

Munia Khan
Sad but wonderful...Reminds me of someone I know.

Green Iguana
sad story...and too common.

Sandra Martyres
so very sad....so much responsiblity and pressure on one so young...tfs

Ron Peat
Shutter, dusty blinds, Guess how many stars are in the sky. Wow! is all I have to say. Mother left town on the last stage. A poet friend//RH Peat

sonetta
so sad.....never had a childhood.....

TinaD
This is a powerful poem!

Nikunj
sad and strong ..expressive too...it brings out a irony that haunts most societies ...

Chaos1214
No proper promenades at this party. Before the music's over, the dance you're doing is already obsolete. And, as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it's supposed to be done : )

magnolia
Sandra, another strong write here, these things happen in life, very sad to say. The children end up as carers. Maggie