by Cheri Crone

Created on: April 15, 2009

CASUALTY OF WAR

Barely just a child of six
out living on the streets
half starved, nearly naked
no shoes upon her feet

Hiding in the shadows
always cold and tired
waiting there until she hears
no more shots are fired

Just another orphan from
the bloody war torn streets
hoping that the solders there
would leave something to eat

She's done her best to forget
how her mom would hold her tight
or the way her daddy smiled
when he tucked her in at night

She can't wait to fall asleep
because that's when she can dream
she's an orphan through the daytime
but shes a princess in her sleep

A princess in a crimson dress
satin slippers on her feet
her family all around her
with plenty of food to eat

I found her late one evening
must have rained all week
she lay curled up on the concrete
I thought she was asleep

As I knelt down beside her
I couldn't help but cry
I'd seen the blood behind her
I knew that she had died

I found a place just out of town
where I laid her down to rest
I'd never made a marker before
but I tried to do my best

It just read "Here lies a princess
May she finally be at peace
A princess in a crimson dress
Now forevermore as she sleeps"

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