This poem was posted to a Google list for folks who have attended Nancy Thomas Family Camps for families with children who have Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Thank you, James, for permission to post the poem here.
Uncle Joe
Dedicated To Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder
“It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” Luke 17:2 (NIV)
Verse 1:
He was only four years old
The first time I saw him
With “Joshy” by his side
His brother and his friend
And he told me all about
The scary movies that made him sleepless
He knew Freddy; he knew Chucky
He knew Jason, but not Jesus
Chorus:
Uncle Joe; there’s a monster in my closet
Uncle Joe; I can see his red, glowing eyes
Uncle Joe; he whispers ugly words
Uncle Joe; can you sing to me ‘till I fall asleep?
Verse 2:
He was only six years old
When he tried to drown “Joshy”
Such an angry, hurting child
I saw a glimpse of sorcery
Then he told all about
The horrendous accounts
It was so hard to speak
That he had to write it down
Verse 3:
He was only eight years old
When I sent him far away
And everything I stood for
Crumbled with my faith
Now there’s nothing left but guilt
“I wonder if” — “what if I had…”
Oh Father, won’t help him?
I pray on his behalf
Bridge:
I’m praying for a miracle
Because nothing is impossible
If God is for us, who can be
Against the will of God!
Please share your responses in the comments section below.
