I was only seven, in beautiful Orlando, Florida

when my mother met a man from Columbia.

Too young to comprehend.

In a school with a koala mascot

I worked and studied as a habit,

so they could see I was intelligent.

Too young to comprehend.

He taught me how to count to ten

in sign language, Spanish, and French

as my only friend.

Too young to comprehend.

He saw an opportunity

when he got home early

and Mom still worked till morning's three.

And what I thought was fine,

at least inside my mind,

was although his punishments were unusual,

I let him do what he did, though brutal.

Double my age, then I finally understood;

his strange punishments were nothing good.

No wonder once I told my mother

I never saw him with her ever.

It took so long to mend my mind.

I often lost track of time.

Too young to comprehend.