Reminisce

We discussed
childhood
at work the other day
reminiscing on childish schemes and
innocent pranks
parents punishment
and beatings masked as discipline

As we talked
the stories became
more and more cruel
the techniques utilized
seemed evil and inhumane
our smiles and laughs of light reminscing
covering
the intense pain
the devastating loss of innocence

WE refused to acknowledge that
we were abused
we suffered harm
our souls were scarred
our minds were battered
with extension cords
switches
leather belts
and shoes
One said a knife
the other was bitten
What in the world
was wrong with our parents
What in the world
is wrong with this world
and why is love
barely covered
by deep seeded hate?
why are children
forced to absorb
adult self loathing
and so much pain?