Thursday, June 26, 2008 Calinao: Alyssa Lies By Nick Prill Calinao Free and Easy
SMOKING halfway through my pipe while listening to country music and savoring my usual native-brew last Sunday, a number over the radio triggered both my thoughts as well as emotions.
Listening to the song "Alyssa Lies," I said to myself "this debut single of Jason Michael Carroll is definitely more than just another country number." The song reflects how heartless and despicable some parents or guardians could be.
Although the song's theme evolves on child abuse, it reminded me of how fragile our youngsters are, as well as how children are supposed be loved, reared, and treated with tender loving care. The song also refreshed my memory on the pride and joy which children bring their parents.
In the song, the artist related about his daughter's new friend in school named Alyssa. A little girl, who despite being a victim of physical abuse, still lied to protect her heartless guardian as she tried to hide her bruises.
Honestly speaking, my emotions sank with despair as the words and melody penetrated into my heart:
Alyssa Lies
To the classroom
Alyssa lies
Everyday at school
Alyssa lies
To the teachers
As she tries to cover every bruise
The lines of the song brought back certain observations and reports in the past, which include cruel treatment towards children. "Alyssa Lies" also reminded of the "pure" nature and love youngsters have for their parents and guardians, youngsters who go to the extent of lying about bruises and body pains inflicted by physical abuse.
I do recall times when I felt appalled after witnessing an irate mother whip, pinch, and even slap her son or daughter in plain public view, a child cursed and bad-mouthed to intolerable levels; a young boy bruised after being punched by his "drunk" father; and other instances of the like. Poor children, they too have rights and deserve much better.
Taking us back to the song, I was further filled with emotion as the lines continued:
She doesn't lie
In the classroom
She doesn't lie
Anymore at school
Alyssa lies
With Jesus
Because there's nothing anyone would do
Tears filled my eyes
When my little girl asked me why
Alyssa lied
Yes, the cruelty revealed in the song took its toll on the young girl - painful and depressing yet a depiction of reality. No wonder we have laws against child abuse.
Now, taking into account both the song and instances of abuse against children around us; I do agree that child abusers should be penalized under the full force of the law.
Perhaps those parents who have made it a habit to bad-mouth and physically abuse their children should listen to "Alyssa Lies," recall the pride and joy they felt when their offspring were brought into this world, and be truthfully sincere in being loving fathers and mothers to their children.
In like manner, I do believe that leaders and officials should consider themselves as responsible guardians of the citizens of their communities, towns, cities, regions and the country as a whole; guardians of the very citizens who have chosen them and have given them the pride, power and prestige to serve; the very citizens who rely on them for protection against abuse and any form of tyranny.
