THE LOST ONES

The lost ones walk
Shadows in the background
See them out of the corner of your eye
See them at school, church
Around the neighbourhood
Or in your own home

They are the beaten
Abandoned
Abused
Raped

They suffer in silence
Told “ its all your fault”
“no one will believe you”
“it will only be worse if you fight or try and escape”

The abusers know what
Their best allies are
Shame
Self-doubt
Fear
Isolation

The deeds like roaches
Only seen in the dark
The abusers are predators
Cut off their prey from others
From help, hope

So the answer is
If you are a Lost One
Or know one
Or just because you care

Stand up
Speak out
Seek help
Help others

Together we are stronger
Than the ones we have feared
Together we are capable
Of stopping the cycle

Together we can say
“No one deserves abuse”
“No one needs to be alone”

And

“we will not rest until the last of the Lost Ones
Is found - and made safe and sound”