Manifesto

We are the forgotten children

The for-got-ten chil-dren

We are the unwanted

The abused

The broken

The homeless

The home-less

Even when we have

Roofs over our heads

We have no home

No family

We have nothing

‘Rescued’ from abuse

Neglect, rape

Only to be tossed aside

Tossed into homes

That only want the government money

We are the unseen

We are the lost generation

The forgotten children

Street rat

Parentless

Poor child

Words slip from uncaring lips

Squeeze eyes shut

Block ears

Sing lalalala

I’m not listening

You’re not listening

You’re NOT listening

Listen now

The words from knowing lips

Generations now on the street

There are so many of us

Each year 3 million cases of abuse are reported

1 in every 4 girls will be sexually abused

By the time they hit 18

1 in every 6 boys

That doesn’t include neglect or physical abuse

And that’s only the cases that are reported

Half a million children in the foster care system

25,000 age out each year

Given back to the streets

Where almost all end up homeless

Dead or in prison

Oh! I wasn’t supposed to say that

Sit down shut up

Nobody wants to hear it

Forget

Pretend everything is just fine

But don’t forget your place

Society looks down on the outspoken

Its time we stand up

Break the silence

Face what is happening to our children

They are dying in the streets

Dying in their homes

At the hands of those

Who’s job it is to protect them

These are our children

Our future

And it’s time we

Do what we can to help

To protect them