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Starved to Death, for Jovonie

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If only I had known

what was happening,

If only I had known

where you lived.

 

If only I had known,

I would have gone

into your home.

I would have

taken you out.

 

If only I had known,

I would have taken

you into my home.

I would have fed you.

 

If only I had known,

I would have

gladly faced jail,

to save your

precious life.

 

If only I had known.

saddeathabuseChild

◄ Happy Holidays

Ragged Man ►

Comments

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Dave Bradley

Thu 12th Jan 2012 14:34

Just googled 'Jovonie' and found the story of Jovonie Ochoa, a 4 year old who weighed 16lbs when she died. She is not the only child to have suffered similarly, so ourageously, at the hands of parents or alleged 'carers'. Perhaps in a way you have written this for all of them. The poem moved me - especially the repetition of "If only I had known" - it's an almost visceral response we have to stories like Jovonie's and the poem captures that well.

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