I was not seen, nor soothed, nor safe, nor secure

“I Was Not Seen, Nor Soothed, Nor Safe, Nor Secure” is a deeply honest spoken word poem inspired by the four essential building blocks of healthy childhood development described by Daniel Siegel—being seen, soothed, safe, and secure—and a personal journey of growing up without them. This poem invites you into a story of restoration, hope, and grace through faith.

I was not seen, nor soothed

Nor safe, nor secure. 

I sought the treasure

But could find no cure 

I heard try and try 

and try again

So, I tried some more 

And I wondered when. 

I ran and I ran

And I pounded those streets 

The call of freedom’s air

It felt so sweet 

To run, not race,

To breathe, to be free,

I was not seen 

but I could be me 

The school of life

Drew in this fresher

Tangled and mangled

It thumb screwed its pressure

Why do you call me? 

Those names, it’s not fun

What need, d’you need? 

That makes me to run

Don’t pick on me

Just leave me alone 

I’m not bothering you

I’m just going home 

The web of fear 

The spider of pain

The maze of confusion 

Which one of us is sane? 

No one told me

I need an ID

No one told me

I had a passport to be me 

No one told me how 

To survive life’s running race 

So, I ran and I ran

Burning out at pace.  

No one said how

not to be afraid 

Just don’t show emotion 

For that you get slayed.

Jump in to that pool 

You’ll float, don’t fear 

Men are from Sparta 

No Athenians here 

Grow up boy 

The world needs men

No time for childish

What, why or when? 

So, don’t ask questions 

That’s a scary task

The strong just know

It’s the weak who ask 

Will you read me a story?

Will you tuck me in?

Will you watch my match?

Will you watch me win? 

Will you give me a hug?

Will you hear my day?

Will you ask how I am?

Would you just come and play?

Would you stop and listen?

Would you hear my fear?

Would you hold my hand?

Would you see my tears? 

Would you help me sleep?

Would you help me grow?

Would you help me understand?

Would you help me know? 

Would you celebrate me? 

Would you bake me a cake?

Would you reassure me?

I’m a son not a fake.

Would you lift me high?

Would you have my back?

Would you be my front?

Would you cut me some slack? 

And so, I dream

I play and I score

Each match I win

Each goal the crowd roar

No dry eye in the stadium

Each voice now hoarse 

As I am spurred on 

To great things, of course 

My team they cheer 

As we get more and more 

As we lift the revered trophy 

Of Le Garage D’Or 

The deflated football 

Now half its size 

No trial too much 

For this cherished dream prize 

And yet now a gift

of great charity 

You saw my need 

A new football for me

Thank you, dear strangers

Mum and Dad are not here 

As you rebuilt our house

You made me feel near

You bought me a ball

A poster and game 

Your impact on me

made me more than a name

I’m sorry you’re leaving

Your job at an end

Don’t leave me once more

Don't leave me my friends

Don’t leave me my friends 

Please don’t you go 

Parting sweet sorrow 

Much more than you know 

Say goodbye and goodbye 

Don’t leave me in pain

Perhaps you’ll come back 

And we’ll speak again

Can I come to your house?

Your Mum’s home to cook tea

We could all eat together 

Even your Daddy is free 

Now why do you send me 

Away in the hols once again? 

I don’t want to go there 

He’s really not my friend 

I’m battered and bullied 

But how would you know? 

You never asked me

How did it go?

Will you be my big brother?

Play football in the park?

Show me life’s safety ropes 

Switch on light in my dark 

Will you carve through my queries?

Will you cut through misery?

Will you protect me at school? 

Get the bus home with me?

Will you help me with homework?

Will you watch the TV?

Will you share my bedroom?

Make a safe place for me? 

We can put up our posters

We can laugh, hug and cry 

We can argue and make up

We can talk through the night 

But now I’ve found home

Seen, soothed, safe and secure

I’ve not got all the answers

But I know One who’s The Cure 

He asks how I am

And He listens to me

We watch the football together

Keep each other company 

He celebrates my wins

And He weeps with my loss

We share our tough stuff 

He talks of the Cross 

He never leaves me

Not rushing away

He’s always got time 

By night or by day 

So now I’ve found home

Seen, soothed, safe and secure

I’ve not got all the answers

But I know One who’s The Cure 

Kevin McStay

Dec 2025

Copyright©2026