First things first, I clearly write better when relating to music. Like many others, music just speaks to me and is easy to reflect on.

This piece of writing is inspired by the song, Concrete Angel by Martina McBride. This song is about child abuse and in the music video a little boy watches a little girl getting abused and by the end, you can see that the boy was already passed and when the girl is killed, she joins the boy in heaven.

Not many people may agree with what I am about to say, but I am one who is truly disgusted by child abuse.

“Free, 24/7, Confidential. Boys (48.5 percent) and girls (51.2 percent) become victims at nearly the same rate. 2.9 million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the United States”. Did you know this? Most likely not. I didn’t at first.

“Nobody knows what she’s holdin’ back”

Sadly this is too true, many people never know what is happening to a child because the child lives in fear and will not open up about their abuse.

“The teacher wonders but she doesn’t ask
It’s hard to see the pain behind the mask”

Teachers usually can tell when something is wrong with a student, but not all teachers say anything. The mask of a smile can be very deceiving and hide a lot of pain.

“Somebody cries in the middle of the night
The neighbors hear, but they turn out the lights”

Those who hear the abuse usually don’t realize it is actual abuse. Some may think the tears and screams are because the child is misbehaving or isn’t getting what they want.

“When morning comes it’ll be too late”

Unfortunately, this is how most children lose their battle. No one helps and just acts as if nothing is wrong, but in reality, the child is suffering and their body one day will no longer be able to withstand the abuse.

How can you help? Take a look at this link and you will see some tips from professionals. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/child-safety-and-protection/child-abuse-prevention-tips. It’s time to make a difference because I know for sure I am sick of hearing stories of child abuse and you should be as well.

Enough is enough.

All images are from the music video: