The Child Who Walks Backwards Summary

I have come to enjoy reading poetry; I may not always understand the meanings behind them however, when reading “The Child Who Walks Backwards” by Lorna Crozier I automatically could relate and depict exactly what this poem was about. Child abuse is something that happens all over the world and in every culture. Every year in the United States alone there are over 3 million reports of child abuse, involving more then 6 million children, this also does not include all the unreported cases. (childhelp.org) This poem is a narrative poem written from a neighbor’s point of view, how he or she can see the what is going on but is told otherwise from the parents. In this essay, I want to explore the on look of child abuse from an outsiders point of view ranging from denial that the situation is going on, to skepticism, and final the realization that this could be happening to a family member or a neighbor like in the poem. Sometimes seeing child abuse is hard and it not always blatant and in our faces nor do we always want to see it, seeing a child be abused is not an enjoyable task. However, noticing, reacting, and calling authorities could save a child’s life.
Denial: A coping mechanism that gives you

time to adjust to distressing situations.
Many people are in denial about child abuse, it is not a pretty thing, and many of us cannot fathom how an adult could possibly hurt an infant or child.

We have suspicion maybe ask the adult in the situation what is going on but almost 100% of the time, you will get excuses, like those in the poem. “My next door neighbor tells me/ her child runs into things.” Lorna Crozier (pg.7). Many simply accept those excuses and turn a blind eye. Denial is a deadly place to be in especially when subjects like child abuse come up, it’s a never ending loop of looking the other way if it does not directly affect your life. This is where as decent people we do not necessarily have to keep our eyes peeled for abuse situations but to recognize when they are happening right in front of

us.
Skepticism: questioning attitude towards knowledge, facts, or opinions/beliefs stated as facts, or doubts regarding claims that are taken for granted elsewhere.
Teary eyes, fear of touch, fear of speaking, body language, distant, these are all signs of abuse, but until a blatant sign such as a bruise or broken bones show up we usually look the other way. Once we start to see the physical signs that are when we start to question what really is going on. “ This child who climbed my maple/ with the sureness of a cat/ trips in his room, cracks/ his skull on the bedpost, /smacks his cheeks on the floor”(pg.8). In the poem, the narrator clearly states that she is questioning the situation going on next door, which there is skepticism and doubt to what the mother tells them. However that is about as far as it goes just like many child abuse situations, we understand what is going on, we see it happening, we have that doubt running through our neurons. However a lot of people never pass this stage either it not knowing what exactly to do, not wanting to cause drama or further harm to the child. In addition, there they are left as spectators dreading what they see or in some cases not caring at all.

Realization: an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact.
Realizing the problem and wanting to help, this sadly is where not enough people are at when it comes to child abuse. The phrase “ children should be seen, not heard” is exactly what we as decent people need to abolish, that mind frame of looking at the adult for answers instead taking the time needed with the child to understand what is going on. However, realizing the problem is the first step, opening up those eyes of ours and taking a stand for the child’s sake. When we finally can accept and realize what is going on many people are conflicted. Like I said earlier on in the essay, but putting aside all feelings and controversy the very first step should be contacting authorities, letting the situation be known, and thanks to millions of people that is happening, but sadly as much as it is realized in many cultures still nothing is done. In addition, this is a sad reality, but we as neighbors can abolish these crimes in our communities.
Denial, skepticism, and realization are all stages that we as outsiders looking in could possibly go through, but it is our duty as neighbors, family members, strangers, to stand up for the ones who can not always stand up for themselves. We may not be able to serve but we can help to protect by calling those who can serve and protect. We may not be able to destroy these awful acts known as child abuse but we can certainly start helping by looking after our little neighbors.