The First Memory I Ever Had.

I do not speak of this to make you feel bad for me, my words are ment to make you think of the little ones that need set free.

My first memory was at a young age,

it was the tender age of two.

My step father was in a drunken rage,

my mother’s body he then threw.

 

Her body slid across the trailer floor,

her head hit the cast iron stand

of the Singer sewing machine by the door,

glasses flew as her head did land.

 

Everything seemed to happen so fast,

the home filled with strangers to me,

neighbors pulled me from my mothers grasp,

alone, like a ghost they don't see.

 

I never did see my mother awake,

I couldn't beleive she had died!

This was all too much for my heart to take.

In a strange bed that night I cried.

 

Two days had come and went, my mind a blur.

Yet, no one came to comfort me.

Through the curtains an image, my eyes unsure...

...my mother, but, how could this be!?

 

 

           I learned he'd knocked my mother out that day,

 they thought I would not understand.

By time I learned, too much time slipped away,

 

the damage would be deep and grand.

 

No sting of death within me will you find,

as if that part died that day.

Never underestimate the child’s mind,

never forget to stop and say,

 

"do you understand what happen today?"

Silence can’t make it go away!

I could see everything they saw that day,

up until they took her away.

 

By the time my mom held me oh so tight,

I’d digested that she was gone.

I have lived inside my mind sence that night,

I am stronger now, but it was wrong!

 

~Melody

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Fréyjä Helv..]

A real tragedy it is, and at such a young age could cause a traumatic impulse to a child who's mind may not be strong enough to accept an incident as intense as this... I get what you're trying to convey. Though a young child's memories could be blurred at some moments, they still get flashes of visions... Children understand no matter how young, they can sense sadness, fear and anger. It's an instinct I guess.

[Daithos]

ye.....chidlren.....are not as unable to remember as people think......sometimes....even as adults, we are still haunted by things from our early childhood...

[Samuel Dickens]

I spent the first seven years of my life in a home similar to this, and it left me with life-long scars. I wish people understood what damage they do to their children when they make them live in a war zone.

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

It is so true, and even though I experienced this, my children had to live through it also as I became in a marriage of violence. I left him and have struggled greatly; changing my name, moving far from anyone we knew and learning to stand on my own two feet, all the while three amazing children stood faithfully by my side. They will forever be changed by what happen to them. It is a sad cycle indeed!

[Tate Morgan]

The rhyme scheme is really tight no plurals mixed with singular rhyme the meter almost perfect bravo

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

Thank you, I had a great teacher...wink!

[Tate Morgan]

smiles

[Audrey Howitt]

Heartbreaking write---children's sadness can last a lifetime

[David Lewis Paget]

It's certainly a valid exercise to work through intense feelings through poetry, and you do it well. Nice to see the rhyme and meter in there.

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

Thank you David, This one will be a work in progress for a while as it must be done justice.

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

I have spent a lifetime working through intense feeling, as life goes on I have learned to properly filter the good with the bed. Over time I learned everything happens for a reason, it's our job to seek the reason, and then use it for the good.

[Persephone]

Tragic poem - adults often times forget that children are owed an explanation when situations such as this arise - wonderful work!

[A Soap Mess Stories]

this is a real tragedy that no child should have to face...

[Katie Flores]

oh my.... that was a wonderful, well written, and powerful poem. really, the things you made me feel... My heart went out for the child who by others trying to shield her, was cast farther to the wolves.
but the only question I have is: "by [the?] time I learned?"

[Pencrafter]

Our chaotic world frequently creates horrible family scenes. Family violence is all too common. We look forward to the day when violence and hate are things of the past. For now, many children and even adults have lasting scars from horrible experiences. Focus on the hope our Creator gives us.

[Skye]

I agree with how you should never underestimate a child. Wonderfully touching, though tragic.