I am hiding behind my bedroom door.
Nobody loves me anymore.
My limbs are feeling dreadfully sore:
I am resentful to my soul's deep core.

I think I know who stole the pear,
But to betray a brother is not fair.
I did not lie, I would not dare.
Before my father's stern, hard stare.
The pear was plucked from the garden wall.
To punish the thief, he beat us all.
How can he hurt me when I'm small?
I will remember the injustice when I'm tall.

He did not believe me, because my cheek blushed.
My pride is lowered to the very dust:
I feared the wrath, and so I flushed.
I'm stripped of dignity, and also trust.
Mother reasoned, with many a tear.
But father was adamant and would not hear.
"If they shield the culprit, my duty is clear.
Deceit is a sin: must be chastised, my dear".

When I have children of my own,
I'll give then more than I have known.
I will not let them fight alone.
In some ways, it will help atone.

Oh! I wish that I could quickly die.
If only my Maker could call me nigh.
I'd look down from my seat on high.
And watch my father be sorry and cry.

Submitted by: Emily
Story Location: Dulverton, Somerset