damage cycle

This is so good! I don't know what's wrong with my vocal but I'm not getting any notifications about anyone's posts. I've been having to physically go from profile to profile to read new things. I'm glad I did so I can say congrats on your top story!!

Wow, this is powerful, Lamar. Incredible yet raw writing that hurts like ripping a scab off. A winner in my book! Well done, my friend!

This hit hard. As as a daughter, as a parent, thinking of those interactions from both perspectives and knowing how hard it is to old those things inside as a kid. Incredibly raw and compelling piece. Bravo, my friend. And congrats on TS :)

Wow! It's no wonder this got a TS. So biting and powerful! Congrats.

Words certainly have a way of damaging. Evocative imagery at its best here, Lamar.

Well deserved Top Story. Very sad, but true poem. Especially vivid lines: “derogatory lingo turned second nature, easily erupts at the signs of anger— where the tongue's field-day goes unchecked, corrupting the air with biting words aimed at combative egos...” I also love: “ i even used one on Miss. Vickers for being a bitch in second grade she got me in trouble with mommy and daddy”

This hit hard. The cycle, the confusion, the silence we carry as children — all captured so powerfully. Thank you for putting pain into words so others can feel seen. 🖤

Sharing in this experience that resonates in my heart and affects the lives of those we love too.

Been there, been there Lamar. But never quite got to say it out loud like that. Well articulated my friend. Truth faced and owned. Congrats all around.

Depth-of-memories-whoa, Lamar! Brings one to a space of acknowledgment for childhood traumas to say, "It's okay. You're not the only one. It happened to me too, and you don't have to stay broken and alone." Top Story kudos!

Jeez man another great entry. Once again your stuff hits on such a real level, really impressive work as always and congrats!

Back to say congratulations on your Top Story and Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

Well deserve Top Story and Congratulations on making it to the Leaderboard swell well!!!👏

This is powerful. Beautifully articulated. Congrats on Top Story and being mentioned in the Vocal Leaderboard weekly update! Very much deserved!

Powerful and hard hitting! This hits on several realities for many of us. You’ve so clearly put into words what many of us have felt throughout our lives. Thank you for writing such a relevant poem. Congratulations on your Top Story!

Congrats on your Top Story! Thanks for sharing your words.

Relatable, heartbreaking and well penned!! Congrats on Top Story, Lamar!!

Wow Amazing

There is no reason they can say it bet someone else can't. Well done. Congrats on TS 👏👏

Returning to congratulate you on your top story!

Oh, man. This is such a powerful poem, Lamar. Really digs up some important truths all while holding us transfixed by the personal narrative you're unfolding line by line. Words are such powerful things and we really do learn how to use them and how not to use them through our experiences

Wow, Lamar. I had a flashback moment here to my abusive relationship. My children used to hear my ex and me on many occasions. They are all adults now, but I recall our many conversations about the past and how they were confused, hurt, and angry over things they heard and the things they saw, including my many tears. Beautiful, powerful work!

Gosh this is heartbreaking - I don't think some people realize how damaging words can be. It's not just a case of getting over it... This was brilliant Lamar.

Amazing and very Educative piece. Well-done 👏😊😊

Breathtakingly honest & poignant & superbly-written. Your hands were like a brilliant master surgeon in this piece. Each stanza perfection; every word mattering! Get it Lamar! This is so impressive! :))) 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🩷🌸🎉