We Forgot to Sleep

A little writing about a traumatic event from my childhood.

They stormed in
Flashlights shone in our faces
They mumbled
Stumbled
Words dropped all around.
Eager to disgrace us
We were terrified
Clinging to my bed
As the terminally ill
Cling to life.
But I followed orders.
So easily.

She wouldn't listen to them
She didn't care
While she drank and laughed
And taunted and stared
They took her away
They locked her up
Where is she going
She can't leave us--not now
She can't go
They took her away
Abuse of power.

Across the street
There were blankets on the floor
Nothing could heal my heart
Nothing could soothe my soul
We could stay the night
God knows we can't take much more
We wondered what would
Become of us.

I lie awake
And contemplate
My very next move
What am I to do?
I roll over and look at you
Your eyes were glazed
Glossy with fears
Contrasting all our tears
Hope that no one hears
Sharing in our rain
Suddenly numb to pain

We looked around--no peace was found
We couldn't make a sound.
My memory will always keep
The night we forgot to sleep.