Rachel Poem by Helen Antonas

Rachel is my niece's name
Her parents think she is insane

Yet they are the ones she learnt everything from
They don’t think they have done any wrong

Yelling and screaming, putting her down
Not caring, shunning her, not being around

The child is only 16 years old
They don’t give a damn, they can't be told

Don’t you know how to bring up a child?
To love and care for her so she doesn’t go wild

Grow up you two, stop being such jerks
Your daughter needs her parents, she needs some hard work

She needs guidance, and love so she will survive
I am very surprised she is still alive

What she has been through because of lack of care
She has no-one to turn to, no one to share

Her thoughts and her feelings, her day to day struggles
All the poor girl needs are lots of cuddles

She is calling us, as she knows we do care
She also knows that we are very fair

We love her and guide her through her mixed up life
So she stays out of trouble, stays out of strife.

But we aren’t her parents, we are only relations
Come on you two have some patience.

Look after your child the way it should be done
And while you are at it, also help your older one.