In The Eyes Of A Runaway
 (A true story)

I want to do what I want-
Why won't she let me?
I shouldn't have to listen to her -
I am not a baby anymore.
I want to have my own rules-
Why won't she listen?
I always have to listen to her,
but she never hears me
Not any more! - I'm leaving.
Going out on my own-
My rules, my way.
Do what I want, when I want.
Okay, I'll just pack a few things then I'll be on my way
All right, here I am - on my own-
No rules, no one to tell me what to do.
I'll just walk a little further - Hey this is nice.
Think I'll have a smoke,
there's no one to tell me I can't.

JUST KEEP WALKING.

I'm getting cold - Better dig out my coat.-
I'm getting hungry
I'll get a snack.
It's getting dark-
I'm getting scared-
I think I'll sit and rest awhile-
I'm getting tired.
Wish I had my pillow and blanket-
I left them at home, couldn't carry everything
I'll use my bag for a pillow and my coat for a blanket-
Okay, this is nice.
I wonder where I am?
What was that?
Why am I shaking?
I can't lay here any more.

KEEP WALKING

I'm cold - I'm hungry - I'm tired - I'm scared

KEEP WALKING

I can't keep going - My feet ache
I see lights - Its a park
I'll sleep here on this bench
Bag for a pillow, coat for a blanket.
It will be okay.
It's morning now - Time to move on
I'm hungry, need some breakfast.
Some pancakes,
Mom's pancakes.
Where is she?
I'm cold, I need a warm hug,
Mom's hug.
Where is she?

KEEP WALKING

For days - and nights - and days.
I'm cold - I'm tired -
I'm hungry - I'm scared -
I'm all alone.
There's a phone-Dial the number-
No, I'm on my own now.

KEEP WALKING

Oh, No...it's the police -
Have they come to take me home?
Maybe I should run.
No, I'm caught - They aren't taking me home.
Off to jail -
It's cold - It's dark - It's lonely-
I think I want to go home now.
I'm not going home.
They are taking me to some other home.
Strangers.
I want to go home now.
Mom where are you, I need you.
I love you Mom.
I am sorry Mom.

Written by my daughter,
VALARIE MICHELE CARTWRIGHT -
Copyright
1997

Val was 14 when she ran away.
Luckily she was returned to us alive.....
others are not always so lucky.
 

Please do not reprint without prior consent
But you may send this link to anyone
you know that has teenagers.
Thank You

My Favorite Links:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children