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