My Guest

My Guest

I’m sorry I looked at the scars on your arms

and refused to turn a blind eye.

But I couldn’t just

Stand by

And watch you smile and laugh

With me every day.

No matter how many

Times you say

“Don’t tell. Please.”

Because

You’re actually rather important to me.

To see you mask your pain

Makes me wonder

How much you wish to obtain

The peace of mind

With which I have been blessed.

But all that I ask

All I request

Is that you forgive me

Because you’re sadness

Is no longer

My guest.

Author's Note

This is a poem I got rid of a long time ago, and stumbled upon in my phone yesterday. I wrote it about a year ago, when a friend of mine was a victim of domestic violence/abuse. I felt the poem didn't actually represent how I felt about telling someone is power. Rather than feeling heroic, I had regrets about overstepping my boundaries, violating trust, etc. Overall, the poem wasn't honest, so I abandoned it. I do think it's a good poem, though, regardless of the circumstances.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This poem definitely has some twists & turns, but it all feels authentic & understandable. Nobody acts the “right way” when faced with another person living thru something destructive. We all bumble thru the motions of ambivalence as we sorta want to stay & support this person & yet not wanting to be a codependent enabler. It’s a really s****y thing to try to tear oneself away at such a time but your poem does it in as honest a way as I’ve ever seen, even with the spots where it feels a little abrasive, I believe it’s fair to stop tiptoeing (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Anjali]

Good writing. Thanks for sharing this poem. Glad you've decided to make this poem live. Domestic violence is a subject too touchy for the victims, most would wear a mask to hide their pains.

[Haneefah]

I understand that moment that you really need understand "your guest" because you are obliged to ...

[Meerie_EJ]

Wow I really like this one! It's really deep and thoughtful, good job!

[Einstein Noodle]

i see your dilemma, Silverlink .... the piece i see missing is the number of times an abuse victim is shown, told and/or knows ... the destructive cycle she, or he, is caught in ... unfortunately some never do and suffer and/or die in the process ... not to mention how the cycle is passed on to children who are present ... it takes a very "tough" love to tell someone to do something about it or .. i (your friend) have to leave .. family and friends are worn very thin by the abused's behavior ...or lack of it .. the perspective of your poem and your poem is unique and strong ...i love the irony of your title .. i think it is very well chosen .. i think the rhythm and theme are fluid and held me start to finish .. the number of people abused is staggering ... i think it touches everyone ... whew! your poem has pricked my soul .. the tragedy is painful ... whew!
E.

[Najam Us Saher]

'Your sadness is no longer my guest'
Very creative phrase. To compare sadness with a guest is a great idea because one tries to treat the sadness of a close one patiently and with a warm heart like one treats a guest. Loved the idea.

[The Iron Horseman]

This is very touching, Silver, honest or not. Your pain and empathy for your friend's suffering come across loud and clear, and your ambivalence about distancing yourself from the problem is both natural and understandable. You don't have to be a hero all the time! Sometimes keeping your distance is a matter of self-preservation and, as such, not to be decried.
You are right - it is a good poem!

[Ace Jaxon]

I think this express the feeling behind the other person because if they were to look at their scars, they would remember everything they've been through. Even if you weren't trying to express that, I think you did a great job at it.

[SilverInk]

I'm glad you think so~