The Girl in the Window
The Girl in the Window is based on a horrible true story that happened in Plant City Florida. HERE is the news story from the St. Petersburg Times. Photo by Melissa Little.
Nine year old Dani, living a squalid life of mental and emotional impoverishment, had no hope, no champions, and no future, until she was rescued by some caring people.
Now, I am not usually one easily snagged by the pathos reporting of the Sunday supplement style, but this story literally gripped me by the soul and shook me like a dog with a stuffed teddy.
I found myself a teenager once more, traveling on the road with my mother, a Children's Services caseworker, seeing firsthand just what an uncaring parent can visit upon a child, and how much of an effect it can have on them.
For further explanation of my personal views on this, see the essay 'They are All My Children'.
But this story stuck with me, haunted me, and I found myself thinking about it for a couple of days. I went back through my browser history and read it again, then penned the following poem. I have since sent it to the original reporter, Lane DeGregory, who has told me that she forwarded to Dani in her new situation, and the family she now lives with loved it so much they had it written in calligraphy and framed.
Of all the pieces I have written for myself, this is the first piece that I wrote for someone else.
THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW
A child’s mind,
imprisoned from the start
By a callow mother,
bereft of good heart,
Living in filth, neglect
loneliness and pain
Until good people
brought her into light again
Hollow eyes, sunken deep
into blank face
Peer through grimy glass
at this unknown human race.
A dirty blanket for a shade,
a closet for a bed,
No comforting arms,
no pillow for her head.
The eyes have no focus;
they do not tear or blink
They are not the eyes of someone
who is trying hard to think
They only see contrasts,
the balance of darks and light
The person inside is gone,
Given up without a fight.
When found by those
whose job is caring,
Those eyes see nothing
no soul is baring
Hardened pros
now scarred for life
To see this child
embodying strife.
A child unloved,
untouched, unwanted
Dark eyes empty
of life, yet haunted
By a life lived in squalor
neglect and isolation
The spark inside snuffed
by darkling desperation.
New parents stepped up
with hearts and love to spare
Giving her what she needs
a chance to grow and care
About herself if only
she can find
A way to feed the hunger
of her starving child’s mind.
The bleak life lived
as a child unknown by any other
Has changed thanks to
a giving man, a mother, a brother
This little girl,
shortchanged by birth
Now has the chance
to grow into her worth.
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Shared with those haunting eyes over at DVerse Poets for Poetics
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©2009 Christopher Reilley
©2009 Christopher Reilley
I would love to know what you thought about this piece.
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This is so harrowing and the fact you wrote it for a special girl does not mean it could apply to many other neglected children... really powerful, and I love the backstory too.
ReplyDeleteOMG! A shocking story, though sadly repeated in other places too. I haven't finished reading it all yet....too much all in one go. Your poem is inspired by the hope of the story. I think that I would wallow in the darkness of it if I was to write about it.
ReplyDeleteYour poem summarizes the horrible story, and it's hopeful progress. This little girl might be one of the most extreme cases, but there are so many neglected children, as you know. Thank goodness she was saved, and that couple saw a spark.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible, tragic story, true and just one example of what is happening to children all over the world. No wonder it haunted you, Chris. I am lucky to have not met a callow mother personally, but I know they exist. My husband knew one, and we took care of her child for a while when she was a teenager. What kind of world is this, which allows children to be ‘shortchanged by birth’?
ReplyDeleteWhat a harrowing experience it must have been for her and so glad she found a loving family. I can understand why you were moved.
ReplyDeleteChris, I could only read up until the part where they took her to the hospital. My stomach is churning, and memories from my old job are coming back. Haunting is a perfect place to put your poem. I commend the foster parents who have taken her in. I commend you for writing the poem and getting it to them. Maybe one day she will be able to read it and understand she is a being worthy of love.
ReplyDelete