When I Draw the Line
The Calm Between the Storms
Content Warning: Contains themes of Domestic Violence.
❀❀❀❀❀
A grin and
A tilt of lips
Arm in arm
He’s the gold
To her grey life
And then…
❀
Hand on arm
Blue mark
Dull pain
It can’t be
Not me
It’s okay this time…
❀
A rose in a vase
A note in a card
They just don’t know him
If I heal each of his cuts
It will be okay, I’m sure
❀
Face on floor
The rage won’t stop
I need to go
And not look back
And then it does
But I can’t
“I did not mean it”
“I won’t do it ever…”
It’s okay this time…
❀
Skin to skin
“I love you”
It’s all okay
Calm as a bird song
Mild as still open air
(For now)
❀
A fire, neon in his eyes
“You just make me crazy”
It must be me
Hands up, meek
Back to the edge of the room
Why am I still here?
Why did I stay?
❀
If only…
If only…
If only…
❀
His fist
Her head
Lips on lips
Red drop runs
Down onto her chin
His palm on her neck
Grip like a vice
“Let me go”
If only I had left
This is when I draw the line
This is when I don’t look back
❀
It’s okay this time…
And this time and this time…
And then one day…
At last…
It won’t be.
❀❀❀❀❀
Helpline: 1800 737 732
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Poppy
poetry in progress
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Comments (13)
Poppy, this is such an emotional piece. It's heart breaking and relatable and so passionately written! You did a beautiful job encapsulating what it feels like to be part of such an ugly situation. I love the touch of adding the help line at the end, that was really smart of you!
Man, this is such a realist one for some people.
My anger rises at the coward that does this, my heart breaks that anyone had to withstand it. Courageous poem. 🥰
Powerful poem, Poppy! Delivers a very important message.
Horrific!!! Yet, it shouldn't happen!!! Left a ❤️
It's just so tragic that this happens to so many people out there. Loved your poem!
Well done!
Tangible emotions ❤️😉💯📝❗
Powerful, & so often pretty much how it goes. Those of us on the outside like to say, "Why don't you just leave?". But it's neither that simple nor easy.
Damn, so real and raw. This is a wonderful way to expose such ugliness
Wow, fantastic work. 💜 I could see and feel the loop, the neuroticism of the situation getting worse. This is a great entry into the challenge.
Oh wow... Super important topic to tackle and you did so gracefully. Well done
This is raw emotion, and sadly, all too real for some.