He dragged himself like a sack of cement
He made himself the ridicule of onlookers.
The green glass of intoxication has been his haven for ages
It was his friend, his weapon, his woe
She, on the other hand, was the enemy, the victim
As urchins clustered like fishes in a sardine can, their eyes were wild with fear.
Fear of the resounding bursts of the gunpowder
Fears of the hunger that was to come
Fears of the intoxicated
She, the protector of her urchins, the Queen Esther of her time
Bares her back for the slashing
Stretched her robe for the taking
Her urchins are her pride, she would guard them with her last blood
She would shield them with her life
The intoxicated, once her love, now her loathing
She longs for rescue
Her silent screams are constantly rebuffed
When will the circle of life align for her?
She needs her Angel Michael!
Now! More than ever, she needs to scream triumphant through the tears of torture.
This story is submitted in response to sharing our arts-Poetry to painting.
Suzan, you paint a vivid and very sad picture of the reality of domestic violence and its effects on women and children :(
May our voices keep rising until women reach freedom to live their lives in safety.
Hi Nini, a big Amen I say to that prayer. We will definitely get the lasting solution to these mayhems.
Hello, Suzan,
How did you learn the art of poetry? I can see in my thoughts the imagery you use. Well-executed, dear. Poems like this spark movements. Keep them coming, love. I hope you are not the woman in this story?
We stand with you against domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
Hi Karen, thank you so much for reading. I have always loved poetry from back in school and I find pleasure in reading works every now and then. I keep it fresh as often as possible. For the picture, it definately isn't me. By the grace of God, I am a happy soul but I have had people with such faces and in such pain around me and so I am able to relay this information.
You're welcome, dear. That's wonderful that you love poetry even before. It shows in your writings that you're exposed to a lot of poems. :) Thank you for being the voice of those who are silenced! Keep it up, dear.
Thank you so much, I appreciate.
You're welcome, love.
Dear Suzan,
Your poem brings out the reality of what women face.Thank you for speaking out .
Hi Leonida, thank you for reading and hearing this outcry.
"When will the circle of life align for her?" Big question, really. Thank you, Susan for sharing. Very touching indeed. May our good Lord vindicate us all-amen. A drunken spouse/father is an apology to humanity.
We'll keep raising our voices. Together, we can!
Big hugs and love,
E. J.
Thanks so much for reading and I believe our voices are the power tool for the change we seek.