Whiplash
a little memory of mine
Sometimes at night
I close my eyes and then it comes to me
I felt it first, then heard it
But never did I see
Him coming.
It bruised my neck
It scarred my face
And like some universal mockery
My daily drive is through that place
A mockery:
The finger of the man that points at me
"Her fault" he says
"Red light" he gestures
I later in the court agree:
I say: "That's right,
It must have been different light.
And It was me.
Like lamb
That comes for voluntary slaughter,
Without a bother.
The news that day, they said:
"A daughter,
Who almost killed her mother".
AND I BELIEVE , I leave and
LIVE
The lie of someone else;
With aching neck, and ailing health..
Until you tell me:
"He was wrong.
And I believed you
All along.
I knew the light was green that day
I wish you weren't scared to scared to say."
You say that when my car was towed
You stayed behind and green light glowed
In sequence
that would vindicate me.
And I believe you,
And hurt less.
About the Creator
Salomé Saffiri
Writing - is my purpose. I feel elated when my thoughts assume shapes, and turn into Timberwolves, running through the snowbound planes of fresh paper, leaving the black ink of their paw prints behind.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (7)
The shift near the end, when someone finally speaks the truth, feels like a breath released after years of holding it in. Such a moving resolution.
Beautiful
Beautiful piece!
This reminds me of how often life feels like a fish bowl, the world staring in with ready made judgement. But they don’t know themselves any more than they know those whom they judge. Truer words were never spoken than ‘let him who is without sin cast the first stone.’ Those who fret first about the guilt of others are usually the ones who have the most to hide. Loved your poem, Salome! Congrats on your Top Story!
This is masterfully told. Excellent poem.
This piece masterfully captures trauma and guilt in a haunting, minimalist form. Each line feels deliberate, a pulse of pain, memory, and reluctant acceptance that lingers long after reading.
Nice