Battered Decisions

Everyone was silent as we awaited the final verdict.

The ring that was once a mark of our being one was stashed in my bag.

My husband’s eyes drifted from left to right until they set unto mine.

I cringed away; the look was pleading for help--and painfully.

No… I must stay strong; I touched the wounds he inflicted, to remember.

There was probably a time I would have pitied him, but not anymore.

Love; it was a word that withered away through the years.

The choice I had made to keep it a secret only led to my demise, after all.

I should have known; even his beloved mill, he shut down as if it were nothing.

Finally, the court passed its decision: Guilty, they say.

Reviews

[EileenMarie]

Wow this is great! I can relate coming from an abusive marriage....... Nice write and a well deserved 1st place!

[quinfinn]

i've been battered, then deep fried, and then consumed.....does that qualify?

[Monster ^.^]

I guess..? Wow. My condolences.

[Frieda P]

Holy, this is raw and strong with emotion, battered women would rejoice in this read. Nice message within your poetry here, well said.

[Monster ^.^]

I do hope I did justice to them... I'm not battered (more so a wife) after all. HAHA

[Frieda P]

There are men that are battered also...my pleasure.

[Monster ^.^]

haha, true. But I don't think there's a law for that, or is there?

[Veronica Chandler]

Absolutely enchanting story; I am amazed how much can be conveyed in 10 sentences using 10 specific words. I had fun writing in this manner for the first time. Congratulations on the well deserved contest win.

[Monster ^.^]

Thanks. I always find it fun. People enjoy writing freely what comes in their mind... but sometimes I like to have constraints to see how well I could play :)

[Veronica Chandler]

Having constraints is what I enjoyed most as well; that is why I also enjoy the practice I get in the Creative Poetry Group.
:-)

[Monster ^.^]

:)

[Marie]

Great use of those words...good luck in the contest.

[Monster ^.^]

I wasn't able to thank you for this :)