WHERE AM I?
I am eight years old, my feet hurt really bad and I am very cold.
Why don’t I have a warm bed? Why do I have to sleep outside?
I’ve been sitting in the rain all night.
The policeman found my mommy and I at a Meijer very late at night.
I was very tired and hungry when the policeman dropped me off at this place.
Where am I? Why can’t my mommy come with me? Who are all these people?
When I woke up, I was scared.
I miss my mommy.
All these new faces where talking to me but I didn’t know what to say.
I don’t know how to speak their language; no one can understand my jibberish.
What are these sticks they are giving me and telling me to eat my food with?
I don’t know what they use these for, but I always use my hands with food.
There are a lot of kids here, but I don’t know how to play with them.
Is there something wrong with me?
I hit people because I don’t know right from wrong.
What is this room and why is it raining inside? Why do I have to go there everyday?
I don’t want to go in the raining room.
Everyday people bring me worksheets with numbers and letters on them.
I think they’re fun.
After being in this strange place for a few months, I feel safe.
My bed is so soft, I am warm and dry.
Everyday I get meals and snacks that make my tummy really full.
There are a lot of toys that I can play with.
I am starting to act better.
I say “sorry” when I do bad things.
Maybe this place isn’t as bad as I thought.
These people have worked hard to help save me.
I am eight years old; I am living at Oakland County Children’s Village shelter care.
I am happy to be here, but I still miss my mommy.
Composed by a current resident of Children’s Village
