Childish Fears

A villanelle

(Photo by Sankavi on Unsplash)

My innocence never meant that much to you,

harsh hands suppressed my sense of security

you are the only fear I never outgrew.

Cornered in corruption, a child confused

as you silently stole a priceless part of me

my innocence never meant that much to you.

I suffered through years of your abuse

battling a betrayal that no one believed,

you are the only fear I never outgrew

Now you seek forgiveness, well I refuse

I’m not fooled by your feeble apology,

my innocence never meant that much to you.

Someday consequences will catch up to you

haunted by your hands, I still haven’t found peace

you are the only fear I never outgrew.

I struggle with shame from something I didn’t do,

the irreversible damage caused by your deceit…

My innocence never meant that much to you,

you are the only fear I never outgrew.