Shelter in the Storm

"verbal abuse- the wounds are invisible, but the scars aren't"

In the wake of your storm

and those cruel words you sling about

I suffer wounds like paper cuts:

small, not too deep, but they bleed all the same

 

these words of yours, they aren't new

they've been heard before

spoken by a mother, a father, a past love

the feelings of worthlessness, of doubt, of hurt

the tear-stained pillows

this is all familiar territory

 

despite the dark clouds, I will shine

for you cannot change me

just as the ones before you could not

I will leave light behind in the children that  I raise

I teach them strength in kindness and unconditional love

honor in caring and the importance of believing in yourself-

This is my shelter in the storm

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[W.k.kortas]

I think the first two verses are very nice indeed. The third stanza is on solid ground as far as the idea goes, but it's more in-your-face and straight ahead than the first two stanzas, and I think being a little more indirect is the way to go here. I don't believe the final, all-caps stanza is necessary; by attracting attention with the caps, I think it detracts from the rest of the piece. There is a lot to like in this piece, and it could be something quite special with a bit of tweaking.

[THERISA]

Carrie, your poem mark the inner strength of character, which shines through the darkness of these words of hatred. Moving beyond the past to provide a bridge of safety for those, who after. Thank you for sharing these words of strength with us.

Therisa

[Prose-full]

"despite the dark clouds, I will shine
for you cannot change me"...mmmm, very powerful...love it

"I suffer wounds like paper cuts:
small, not too deep, but they bleed all the same"----brilliant

"I teach them strength in kindness and unconditional love
honor in caring and the importance of believing in yourself-"....very nice..
"This is my shelter in the storm"......absolutely love when a poet ends with the poem title

brilliant poem...love the title..i wanna write now......**smiles**

[Micheal Teal]

You do indeed shine. Beautiful poem , it has a power and energy that touches me deeply. You are an inspiration. Your words not only shelter but also awaken my inner warrior that I may triumph over adversity. Thank you for sharing this poem , when we live with positive thoughts we embrace the divine presence within. Embrace your essential self for yours is a spirit that was born to soar.

[Fran Marie]

a powerful piece so very well penned~THanks for sharing~Fran

[John Braswell]

Good read---powerful---says a lot in few words

[S.E. Conway]

i agree and connect with this so much it is almost scary