The Neglect Poem by Franco Marcogliese

Walking the path towards the school yard
Head down, staring at his shoes
Feelings of anxiety overcome him
Does anyone see him, notice him
Another day of loneliness
Raises his hand, that no one sees
Why does the child fear the Neglect?
No reason to be rejected
Hurts inside
No one realizes
Wants to be a shepherd
Not the sheep
Where has that childish smile gone?
The pressure brought it upon
The child inside us
Has felt this fear
Never forget & keep it near
Nurture
With wide open eyes
Before the torture
Decides its cries