"Just do it a little," he said,
"Just a little."
I died inside a little,
Just a little.

But it wasn't just a little,
As he kept on and on and on,
And I was confused,
More than just a little.

And then the others said it as well,
"Just do it a little,
Just a little."
A familiar pattern, on and on and on.

"Just a little,"
Is like sort of right or sort of wrong;
Coax me into your web,
And then threaten me to make me stay.

Watch my soul die,
Just a little each time,
And my heart ache,
More than just a little.

Eddie,

What can I say? This is a painful poem to read, so how much more to write it? I weep with you tonight my friend.

Much love,
Larry

Yeah, it hurts to read. A phrase like that one minimizes something very maximum, being a lie. Eddie, I would imagine hearing this phrase anytime stirs things up, regardless of the application or context. It's like me hearing "let me help you." I really hate that phrase.

Andy

I think you summed up how everyone here has felt, only good thing is that most of us are not being abused now.

Group HUG Andy, Larry, Eddie, me, and everyone here

You know, Eddie, I keep coming back to read this poem over and over. I never have a comment, but it speaks quietly and deeply to a part of me. It just sort of opens up that part of me and lets some sort of peace filter in. I think it's strange that a poem expressing such pain could do that. Can't explain it. Don't know why. Maybe it's the peace of complete understanding. Bobby

Eddie,

I read this several days ago and was to emotional to reply at that time. Just know that I am deeply touched and thankful that you were able to show me an area in my life that needs attention. Life is getting better.

Love ya

Darrel

Eddie,

I think I now know what really affected me about that poem of yours. It's the way a good trusting kid is confused and tricked by others, and how each incident destroys him "just a little" bit more.

Eddie, none of this was your fault. A kid only has so much strength and resources. The trap that claimed you has claimed many others as well. Be gentle with yourself; you were not to blame.

Much love,
Larry

Thank, guys. This was painful to write. It put me back in the mind of 12-year-old Eddie again, and that's a painful place to be. Remembering specifics of how I was conned, how degraded I felt, etc. I appreciate the feedback, and I appreciate all of you men. You get it and understand it.

eddie,
You have done something all the memories of my abuse could never do. you have brought tears to my eyes. This is an excellent poem. This poem is so simple but so powerful...Thank you for shearing this with us.

Eddie,

This is a great poem. I felt that too. I started thinking that the Grand Canyon was made little by little too, but that is one big hole in the ground. A little may not be that little after all, in time. It certainly didn't feel little to me. Your poem made me think of how I was eroded away until I felt like nothing.
But not anymore. Thanks.

John