i was innocent to the world.
i didn't know there was a different kind of life.
i thought everyone was abused
i didn't know better.
i never told anyone.
i was taken, stripped, beaten,
and left to defend for my own life.
they wore cloaks to all look the same
and i wouldn't be able to identify them.
they met in basements,
deserted schools and houses,
barns and other unknown places
and they had unmentionable meetings.
i was being beaten and used
by those who supposedly loved me.
they threatened my life and others
if i ever told anyone.
they killed and hurt animals and people
to keep me silent and not talk
to others who would break up the group.
they abused me when i was young
up to the time i left home at fifteen.
i have never been back,
for i have a new life,
a new life as a survivor.
now i tell others about the abuse
so to stop people from being used.

july 2002

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