Maybe I should paint
What happened, how it felt.
But you hate that you can’t paint, so
You close your eyes and shut it out.
***
My lips move. Words cannot pass. If only you could lip-read!
But you don’t want to watch
Eyes wide, shallow breath, creeping nerves, tummy tense
Roll over, Mum, sleep. Nothing for you to see.
***
Scratchy carpet, grazed knees,
Loud, violent, vomiting.
In our Holy home! Did they say?
Your eyes are closed tight today.
***
Pretty family, happy home,
You see the superficial light.
But dark, vicious “rights”, forced coercive control;
Shared, a possession.
*
You turn your face, for you, it’s gone away.
***
About the Creator
Ruth Stewart
Never one to do one thing at a time, I'm currently writing a horror novel and a book of poetry for the daughters of narcissists. Come back soon for a link to be included in all my news, on Vocal and elsewhere. I'd love to get to know you!
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Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (7)
Stunning work Ruth!
Oh this is heavy 😔
This was sooo heartbreaking 🥺 Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
This is exceptional, darling. One of your best. Heartbreaking and the others have said so many things about it that are so true already. Important and necessary feel like two words that don't really convey how important or necessary this poem and what it stands for are! Was pleasantly surprised to see you post something new as you had kept that one secret. Well wrought, my love. And sorry you experienced this.
Really powerful piece, Ruth. So raw and vulnerable with some truly arresting lines.
So much said in so few words! Beautifully written.
This is a nightmare of abuse, told with aching simplicity. your words are a voice to the silent.