For Rosa

It's never okay

I saw you cry and wondered why
I’d ask but I didn’t wanna pry
How could I prove my hunch was right
In what my instincts said?
I never knew why you wouldn’t stay
You grabbed your purse and ran away
But when you couldn’t escape the light
I saw your skin had bled
Your life to me’s this mystery
You’ve chosen not to share with me
You want to keep it sewn up tight
I’ll honor your request
That choice is yours ‘cause no one’s sure
Just what goes on behind closed doors
But blinding others to your plight
You cheat yourself instead
For winter sleeves in summer heat
Hide the bruises buried deep
You yearn for rescue from your fight
To free you from this dread
You’ve often dreamt of life so sweet
Where true love sweeps you off your feet
A place where freedom feels just right
And harm will never tread
So be the one - let loose your tongue!
For heroes who remain unsung
Rose to power from their fight
By speaking out instead

Reviews

[Kay]

Nicely written poem. It really captures the experience of someone feeling trapped and frightened in this situation. They try to keep in the dark, "blinding others" to their suffering, but as you said "heroes who remain unsung/ Rose to power" by speaking up. Great message.

[Mari' Emeraude]

Thank you for reading :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Abuse. My mother for many years before she escaped. I believe women hold on to hope. Things can change. Powerful words shared Mari.
Coyote

[Mari' Emeraude]

Thank you, and I'm sorry your mom endured what she did.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome and my mother, like most women. Are scare to run.

[Mari' Emeraude]

Yes. Perhaps it's the thought of retaliation or threats to others not even involved (family members) that can produce a guilt and fear almost as bad as the abuse

[Coyote Poetry]

Abuse. A hidden sickness. We must pay attention to the people we love. You are right. Fear for self and the family.

[Lykos]

This is brilliant. Well done

[Mari' Emeraude]

thx for reading Lykos

[Lykos]

My pleasure, anytime

[A. Kim Spradling]

This is a powerful poem. It is sad to think someone knows, yet she is too scared to speak. From what I understand, many of the abused respond this way. I do know once the abused person begins to speak, it empowers them to do something about it.

[Mari' Emeraude]

I appreciate your thoughts Belle .