~ IT SHOULDN'T HURT She was such a pretty child, as pretty as could be. The blondest hair and bluest eyes, this little girl of three. She lived next door and I would often see her play outside. Putting all her dollies in a wagon for a ride. I often thought how beautiful she would be when she's grown. She was just the cutest thing as she played there all alone. I only knew her parents from a passing wave or "hi"; They did not want to socialize each time that I would try. I sometimes heard them arguing when I was in my yard. I know the problems people have can sometimes make life hard. I thought they were just loners because they kept to them self. They might think I am nosy if I try to offer help. They never bother anyone , the other neighbours say. And the little girl can only go out back to play. You only see them come and go, they never stay outside. You wonder when they act like that, have they something to hide? One day I heard them arguing, much louder than before. As I looked out, the little girl was standing by her door. Her little face was bruised and tears were running down her cheek. I wanted to go over there, but I was scared and meek. Finally when the screaming stopped, and everything was calm I saw the little girl was being held close to her mom. Her mother rocked her back and forth, and she was crying too. Just standing in the back yard, there was nothing I could do. Nothing I could ever do, would be of any use. This mother and this little girl were suffering abuse. She had better call someone and get this thing resolved. But, it is not my business and I cannot get involved. As I spoke with neighbours, about what went on next door They all agreed, that it was sad, it's something we abhor. It's something we must overlook, we cannot interfere. But, now we sing a different tune, as we are gathered here. The neighbourhood feels guilty, for we looked the other way. Are we all responsible for being here today? We feel the anger and the shame, because we all stood by Knowing now we could have helped, but didn't even try. And now this little three year old, so beautiful to me Surrounded by her dollies, just the way she loved to be Is in a little casket, with her body limp and frail. Her mom is in intensive care, her dad is now in jail. The funeral home is quiet, because we all realize The reason you must get involved is right before our eyes. Abuse in any form is something we must all resent. And fight with every tool we have to save our innocent.