Journey of Tears

Timid blue eyes stare out from
beneath a thick mass of brown curls.
The every changing landscape beyond the car window
Fails to capture her attention for long
She finds herself wondering absently
when the journey will be over
But it is never over
Not for her

The voices from the front grow louder
Angry hurtful words
Thrown mercilessly between the adults
Each causing the young girl to flinch
And tears to flood once innocent blue eyes
But no one cares
Not any more

Her gaze flickers to the man driving
Red faced and furious
Strong hands gripping the steering wheel
Violent swerves not due to the winding road
She has learned that now
Reflections of a life dragged through pain
At least she is forgotten
For now

Cheeks flushed, blue eyes flashing with indignation,
White teeth bared in a snarl
Spiteful words used to hit where it hurt
No love from the woman
When the young girl starts to cry
Merely a glance
Nothing more

At an urge from the accelerator
The car once again jerks ahead
Images of scenery flashing by
She can see only the memories, the heart-ache, the shame
And cannot see the light spilling over the hills
Rests her head against the window
Eyes shut as a tear
Silently slips down her cheek