You'd Never Think

This is for all the strong women who have gotten out of these horrible situations. Happy Mothers Day to you all!!!

You'd never think the woman
that laughed and smiled at work
would be the one hiding a painful secret
not necessary having to wear long sleeves
to cover up anything
but always having to laugh
to keep from crying

You'd never think a woman
as smart and courage's as she
would have to go through abuse
one time he physically hit her...
she broke a broom across his back,
then the verbal abuse sunk in...
she believed every word he called her,
she felt life had no meaning
but she had three kids to take care of

Nobody knew that we lived in a hotel,
nobody knew that me and my brothers were only allowed
one piece of chicken out of a pack of fourteen,
nobody knew... and it seemed like nobody cared

Someone cared... my grandma,
she helped my mom get through it
because she went through it herself...
she helped her realize that no man
is worth the stress he gave her


You'd never think a woman like her
would have to live through so much hell!
So don't underestimate a smile,
because they could be hiding
something underneath,
that's a lot more painful....

Author's Note

I think abuse is horrible and I commend every woman who stands up to it and walk away. You women and men are amazing. Happy Mothers Day. :)

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem. Woman and children need safe houses. Today most are ran by churches and donations. USA government no money for the real wealth of American."The children." Your poem is common for people in every city. Big business own the USA. Need wiser leaders with goals of peace and to heal the wounds of the bad times. A excellent poem.
Coyote

[Melissa]

Your poem reminds me of the fact that you never know a person's real story. What shows on the outside dosen't necessarily mean its true on the inside...I like the message of this poem

[Brad]

this woman sounds like how my mother used to be.... :*(

[Bertie]

Powerful and with a clear journey
Well done

[Joel M Frye]

Strong people beget strong children, and I'm proud of you for sharing your strength. Your momma did well.

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

Bravo! What lies underneath is often quite different from the smile and the laughter you see and hear. Look for smiles that don't reach the eyes and reach out for those hearts. A beautiful tribute Ta'shandra

[quinfinn]

very soulful essay on the shame and indignity of being an abused partner and the fear and awkwardness it creates in the innocents' lives. also touches beautifully on the courage and support of that beloved soul who helps throughout the crisis and delivers all from evil and indifference. superb piece of poetry.

[Pebbles]

Tha chains of domestic violence need to be broken so that your sons dont turn into your violent husbands ...we must not stand and put up with it , from an early age children must be taught their worth then the boys and sometimes girls will have no need to hit out at the world ... everyone is born precious , it is life that destroys our minds

[Kevin Horsley]

This is a fascinating poem, it is something I am completely against and it is something I have touched on personally in my life.
I do not understand any kind of spousal abuse, admittedly it is mainly the woman who is abused but in some cases the man can be the victim.
There is nothing to excuse this kind of bullying, but playing devils advocate no one should ever remain in this kind of relationship either.

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

This is one of the topics that needs to be out there for women need to know that they can leave and be successful on their own..Enjoyed reading your work..Sunflower

[Crystal Kelly]

This is powerful. I believe the more voices speaking out against this will encourage more women in these situations to feel as though they can confide in someone and receive help or better yet escape that situation. Very well written.