ABBATOIR

Spoken word

They made me feel repugnant 

My private life was fed to the insatiable public

Like shovels full of manure

People I called friends feigned kindness and concern 

...yet they were vipers.

Every smile held the hint of a hiss and a flick of their forked tongues

I wondered aloud “ with friends like these who needs enemies?

But you know what?

I am done with this charade

I’m walking out of this slaughter house  

...where my soul has been kept captive for years.

I have held my breathe for too long...no more!

Like a dream they walked in together

“You asked to see us”?

“Yes” I answered as my hands shook.

I felt atrociously clumsy but I had to confront my jailers,

The ones who tied my soul to a stake

The ones who came in from time to time to cut a piece of my soul

...leaving me in a pool of my blood

I struggled to meet their mocking stares but barreled through 

“Today,I declare my independence,

Your toxic services are no longer needed.

You may leave my life

They were bewildered,embarrassed,amused and insulted

...all at the same time but walked out.

I collapsed to the floor in heart wrenching pain,

Emotions swarmed me.

Then the only hands that ever pulled me up…

enveloped me  in a hug 

And rocked me back and forth saying

“It’s over now,I’m still here”

Author's Note

I appreciate polite criticism.

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this was an interesting perspective on a scandal. we are not privy to the details, but something has rocked this small community and the persona has become the target of severe backbiting. the focus remains on the persona's emotion, not what caused it. obviously, leaving this 'slaughterhouse' is one's right, and the sane thing to do. but sometimes it is not so easy. it was thought-provoking and an intriguing drama.

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

You review captures the narrative perfectly.
I wanted to highlight the emotions of the person at the center of the storm ,the state of her mental health and the need to become assertive.
Thank you Ern,
Your reviews are thought provoking…. I appreciate them

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Interesting title. I had to google it but it fits perfectly with this strong read. I know this poem is a vent but I can't help but to see the art put in this poetry, the wording, feeling, emotion, imagery, everything was so well put, and made this a powerful read. tyfs

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

Dear Cyprian.
Your words are so kind and encouraging.
Thank you