There once was a child, who was mistreated,
She was taken by the state, and her mom was defeated in court.
She went to live with a loving family, where she felt needed,
And one day she asked 'What is love? '

Her new daddy propped her on his knee,
And said to her to be loved is to be...
Cared for, hugged, and kissed.
And when you are loved,
When you leave you will be missed.

She looked at her mommy and said 'is that all? '
Her mommy picked her up and said 'no, my baby'
She said 'You will know if you are loved,
Because you will be picked up when you fall, ’
'Also, at your age you will be bought toys, such as your ball, ’

She looked up at her new older brother, how tall.
She said 'What else is love? '
He grabbed her from his mom and said
'The biggest love that anyone ever gave is when Jesus died for us all,
But we reflect it by helping others when they call,
And buying kids their favorite doll(s) .'

Thinking real good and hard she said can I talk to grandpa?
Her mommy picked up the phone and made the call.
She got on the phone with him and said 'What is love? '
'You can not buy it in any mall,
Because love is to be there when needed,
Like when I walked you down your new school's hall,
And to put down a safety law.'

Now for once she saw,
The thing people call love,
Is something that comes from above, and a good family.
She went to bed that night, and finally understood.
Her real mommy and daddy should have done more
To help her and for her own well being.

Rita Hawkins

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/what-is-love-184/