Casualty of Love
A little girl struggles an wonders what to do
Cause see her folks be workin hard
Tryna get that money right
While she ends up all alone night after night They don't see the pain an anguish they cause.
Picked on an tease this little girl can't understand
Why God would allow her to be placed on this cruel land full of hatred and trouble. This girl was double in size
And no one realize the sadness in her eyes
Her parents were too busy for love so she found it somewhere else
A group of guys all different size came and ripped open her thighs and took somethin she'll never get back
Thought it was love but it wasn't
Love couldn't be so cold
But how would she know
She was only 14 years old
Never had the courage to stand up an be bold
An tell the truth
It was rape
Like blinds hidden behind a drape
The secret of this encounter would remain taped up and silence
Silently her tears fell wondering why she never said a thing
Her experience was for her knowledge only
But when the truth came out it only left her lonely
Her mother never understood and wanted to send her away
But her father seemed to love her enough to let her stay
Love what a funny word to be said
Cause this so called love
Makes me wish I were dead.
Reflect and Context
This spoken-word piece explores the impact of childhood neglect, spiritual confusion, and unprotected vulnerability, especially when a young person grows up feeling unseen, unheard, and unsupported. It reflects how emotional absence, misplaced trust, and silence can leave lasting wounds, and how the word “love” can become distorted when safety and care are missing.
The poem gives voice to the experience of carrying pain alone, of being misunderstood by family, and of navigating faith while feeling abandoned by those meant to protect. It highlights the long-term effects of secrecy, shame, and the struggle to be believed, while also pointing toward the need for compassion, understanding, and spaces where truth can finally be spoken without fear.
At its heart, this piece calls attention to the importance of protection, presence, and genuine love—love that listens, defends, and nurtures. It reminds us that healing begins when silence is broken, when wounds are acknowledged, and when the heart is finally met with the care it deserved all along.
Reflection Prompt
Have there been moments in your life when you felt unseen, unprotected, or misunderstood by the very people who were supposed to care for you?
What would it look like to offer that younger part of yourself the safety, compassion, and voice that were missing then?
Original Performance
This piece was originally performed as part of the Lips & Poetry series, where spoken word meets lived experience. Watch the original recording below to hear the rhythm, breath, and emotion that first carried these words.