Emergence

Dealing with the aftermath of a flashback

Last

Of the high tide

Rolls out.

 

As my body bobs

Back and forth

On the ebbing current

Like a wine cork.

 

Drained of energy

Beyond the simple needs

One requires

For daily function.

 

As I struggle

To move

My leaden body.

 

Refusing

To grant you

This corrosive victory

Over me

Yet again.

 

Once is

More than enough

For you.

 

As I get out

Of bed

To face

The coming day

After another flashback.

 

Reclaiming this moment

For myself

As a victory

Over your terror.

Author's Note

Yesterday, I had another flashback, which dates back almost 40 years ago, when I was electricuted and suffered electric burns to my mouth. Normally, this isn't one of my usual flashbacks, but resurfaces, from time to time.

Reviews

[Emily B]

I love your wings . . . always knew you could fly

[Tina Louise UK]

Oh hunni..what a terrible thing to go through, I know how painful electric shocks are but that sounds horrendous... xx

[therisa]

Honestly, Tia, I just remember a feeling of buzzing numbness, when the electricity passed through me. It had a greater impact upon my mom, when she saw the raw damage done to my mouth, at the time. I was suffering from shock, to feel any real pain.

[icelandicblue]

How horrible and how frightening. Electricity is dangerous stuff and yet it buzzes all around it. I hope your burns healed but obviously your mind has held onto your terror and for that I offer you my sorrow and empathy.

[therisa]

Thank you, Icelandicblue, for your concern. Although, the scar has faded over the years, I have to be careful, whenever I eat something, as I have scar tissue on both sides of my mouth. Biting down on the live nerve is very painful.

[icelandicblue]

I cannot even imagine the pain and recovery.

[therisa]

Had several surgeries to repair the physical damage, but the mental wounds are the hardest to heal.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is really terror filled....and reliving the moment doesn't make it any less terrifying...vivid words here make us feel your pain.

jacob

[therisa]

Thank you, Jacob. Just wish I didn't have the experience to write this. I wouldn't wish flashback on anyone.

[Frieda P]

Flashbacks are hauntingly gruesome and force one to relive those moments in technicolor yet again. You nailed this one therisa...your author's note is painful to read, hope this purge proves cathartic for you...

[therisa]

Thank you, Frieda, for your generous and kind words. This particular flashback, I have never told anyone, the full story of what happened, on this night, in November 1974. Although, my parents have guessed most of what happened to me.

[Frieda P]

Really sickening what humans are capable of, especially family, that just makes it ten times worse....

[therisa]

Frieda, I was alone, in the basement, when it happened, watching the TV. I tried to seperate a space heater from an extention cord, but didn't have the strenght to do so....I use my teeth....hence the electric burn.

[Frieda P]

Oh okay, thought it was your brother again....ouch.

[therisa]

Frieda, my brother had just turn 2 years old, when this happened. For years afterwards, I got bullied, because, of the facial scar and problems with speaking certain letters.