Editor’s Note: Kerry Arquette’s book of poems, War Cries: Unheard Voices, Unmarked Graves is now available for pre-order here.

The Shadow Child via artistkerryarquette.com

No one noticed the shadow child

Who hid beneath the stairs to read

And watched the shining gifted ones

Exchange their birthday party talk

Or chat about the games they played

At get togethers after school.

While her heart cried out,

I’m here! I’m here!

No one noticed the mousy teen

Who viewed the world from downcast eyes

She longed for boys with cocky grins

And envied girls with flowing hair.

She ached to join their weekend plans

And laughing talk of who-likes-who.

While her heart cried out,

I’m here! I’m here!

No one noticed the silent woman

Who slid through days so calm and still

That when the Nazis plucked her up

And worked her hard, then put her down,

The world went on without a hitch

And no one said, “Where did She go?”

Still her heart cries out,

I’m here! I’m here!