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Then Silence

The first words I heard were, "Yes!  A little boy!"
I looked up at my Momma, her eyes filled with joy.

My legs are shaking bad but Momma looks so proud
When I finally get my feet firmly on the ground.

The soft yellow sunshine and Momma breathing deep
Mix into a lullaby as I drift to sleep.

I love to play outside, how soft the green grass feels.
When I run and leap so high kicking up my heels.

My Mom is always near me, she keeps a watchful eye.
I feel so loved and safe and warm when I'm by her side.

How fast I am growing!  My Momma's pride and joy.
No longer little baby - I'm a great big boy.

Every weekend folks drive from very far away
Just to stand beside the fence and watch me as I play!

I am the most handsome, every one does agree.
Wait, what is this?  Why do they measure and weigh me?

My Momma looks so worried, tears fill up her eyes.
But what could be so bad to make my Momma cry?

I'm going for a ride in a bright shiny truck!
It's my first ride ever!  I really am grown up.

Where am I?  Who are you?  Did Momma stay at home?
I'm really getting scared; I've never been alone.

MOMMA?!  What is that sound I've never heard before?
I've got to find Momma.  Please!  No!  Don't close the door.

OH, NO!  I CAN'T MOVE!  I can't even turn around.
This space is much too tight.  There it is again.  That sound...

Was that a scream?  A SCREAM?!  My heart is pounding hard.
Oh Lord, I can't catch my breath.  Why is it so dark?

Hello?  Anyone?  I think there's been a mistake.
Momma would never let me come to this kind of place.

I want Momma.  I'm so scared.  I can't stop shaking.
I don't know which is worse; the dark or the screaming.

I'm so thirsty.  I want Momma.  And some water.
I JUST WANT MY MOMMA!  MOMMA!  I want to see her.

Oh Lord, who is screaming?  Why are they screaming?  WHY?
Please, turn on the lights!  I'm shaking.  I want Momma!  I...

Wait, I hear someone coming...  Yes!  I hear their steps.
LIGHTS!  I can see!  Momma, did you come to help?

Who is this man with scary eyes hid beneath his hat?
Will you take me to Momma?  Will you take me back?

No!  PLEASE!  Take me home.  I don't want to go that way.
The screams are getting louder then silence takes their place.

No!  Not this way!  THIS IS THE WRONG WAY!  Don't you hear?
Don't your hear those screams?  Those loud screams?  Screams filled with fear?

No!  Please don't go.  PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!  Take me home!
You don't understand, Momma needs me.  She's all alone.

What is this room?  DEAR GOD, I can't stop trembling.
OH.  This is the room from where I heard the screaming.

Scream, too, would I, if I only had a voice.
That I am the most handsome, my Momma's pride and joy.

Momma!  Can I see my Momma just one last time?
My little life is ending, I am next in line.

Dear God, Will you take care of Momma for me, please?
She was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Tell Momma that I love her, her sweet little boy.
All I ever lived to be was her pride and joy.

please?
Momma?!
MOMMA!!!!
MOMMAAAA!!!!!!!!!!



















Author notes

This is the very FIRST poem I ever wrote.  This is about an innocent calf being born for only terrifying slaughter.
I was compelled to write this urgently out of the blue.
I composed this poem on POST-IT notes.  And then I cried for three days...
Written May 18th, 2006

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 38 of 38

  • SolaceInTears
    April 12, 2008

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    :'(

    this is beautiful.

    completely beautiful.

    thank you. this is why i'm vegan.

  • imahealer
    April 11, 2008

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    Tam, by the end of this poem, you had me in tears. Still am. When I look at my little Stella, knowing she is getting old, I know she can feel my sobs. What an emotional poem. And this was your first????? Animals sense impending death. Thanks for making me feel your angst, as all should!
    I love you more.
    Shana

  • femurlee
    March 27, 2008

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    Very Griping

    I found myself as the calf itself here. I felt its happiness and its pain and fear. You have an excellent talent for rhyme also. Good luck in the contest. Peace.


  • raggyann
    March 25, 2008

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    god i hate seeing and thinking and anything that gors with killing of any animal you sure did a good job on this onev


  • Lola Lola
    March 25, 2008

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    wow! this is a very powerful piece. and NO!!!!!
    please dont delete it. i work with animals, and i dont eat veal or lamb. this moved me to tears. VERY well written. Thank you.


  • Sacred Ground
    March 23, 2008

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    What a great write. The suspense you created here is powerful, as is the subject and context. Yay!!
    Good luck with the contest for this is really an awesome write.

    ~ID~
    LisaMarie


  • TabbyCat
    March 11, 2008

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    This was great!!!! I can't say that I share your convictions on this subject, but it doesn't effect the quality of the poem. You created such a mood of suspense...I felt bad for the poor little calf. It makes me yearn for the time when there will be no more pain...no more death. When, if I want a steak, all I have to do is go out and pick it off the near-by t-bone tree. Well, maybe it won't be quite like that, but I can dream. Thank you for your entry...it was both thought provoking and well written. Good luck, and welcome to the finalists list!!!!


  • mysticstorm gold member
    December 1, 2007

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    Damn sis, this is so sad and powerful...It made me cry as I read your words and could feel the pain and fear in this beautiful creature of God...why are we so inhumane...sad reality penned with love and wanting of justice and to stop the pain and suffering.
    Best always, beautiful soul!


    • Tam
      December 1, 2007
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      Thank you Sis...

      as you know...I'm crying too...

      I'm tired of crying...

      maybe I should delete this write?


  • sheltered
    December 1, 2007
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    I honestly wish I hadn't read that.
    Very effective.


    • Tam
      December 1, 2007
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      oh cowboy...

      I'm sorry?
      I honestly wish I hadn't penned it too...
      hurt like hell...
      xoxoxox


  • tara wilson gold member
    January 30, 2007

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    OMG, this is so sad. I really like it. Hmmm, I was relieved that it was just an animal and then I cried because I was relieved that it was just an animal.


  • Tirrell
    January 30, 2007

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    Wonderful tragic verse...

    Hey Tam, what a nice but tragic poem.
    Makes me not want to eat veal ever again.
    Not that I ever at it much any way...

  • Tam
    October 30, 2006
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    Thank you Suzi for reading and commenting on my poem. I so appreciate your kind words.
    This is the very FIRST poem I ever wrote so it is very special to my heart!
    I do believe all creatures can feel pain...emotional as well as physical! And I find that the creatures of the earth can be far, far more compassionate than mankind himself. Disturbing, to say the least.
    I enjoy reading your work very much. I find we have similiar views and opinions!!
    It is always a pleasure to witness your writing.
    Blessings! Tammy

  • Susan E. Pennycuff
    October 30, 2006
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    This is incredible, I figured out about half way through that this was probably not about a child, the line about folks coming to see you through the fence gave it away for me. Now having said that, by the end of this piece I had forgotten that this was not about a child. That is talent dear, you have penned a remarkable piece here and it is relevent to not only humans but animals alike. Some folks believe that animals do not notice when thier litter is removed from them, I disagree, as a matter of fact, I once owned a german shephard who would not eat for days after her first puppy was adopted, she would not play, just moped around the house. They do feel as humans feel and you have portrayed that superbly in this write.
    Thank you for sharing this with me hun, it was a good read.
    Hugs, Suzi

    P.S. - I have noticed you commenting on alot of my pieces lately and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support, but more importantly the respectful way that you critique my work. Often times folks judge writes based on personal opinions rather then the quality of the write, you dear have not let your opinion on the subject matter influence your critiques and I appreciate that very much.
    God Bless, Suzi

  • Tam
    September 2, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you Puppydog for reading my poem "Then Silence". I so appreciate your thoughts.
    This is the very FIRST poem I ever wrote. I have no idea where it came from but I had to write it....it wouldn't let me go. Finally, I sat down and wrote the entire poem on POST IT notes! Then I cried for three days.....
    It was gut wrenching and somewhat un-nerving! Now I just go with it......I write what I must and don't deny the urge because it will not release me until I pen the thoughts!
    Do you think I'm a nut?
    Love, Tammy


  • Puppydog gold member
    September 2, 2006
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    BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN TAMMY

    I can feel the fright and the terrible look in the calf's eyes. Your words are truly compelling!


  • David J Martin gold member
    July 6, 2006
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    F*ck me (Excuse my French, but I'm afraid that was my reaction).

    The fluff before the razor indeed!

    That was haunting, and I have to agree with a previous comment in that 'it's gonna stick'. Throughout, you (the reader) are kept guessing as to what exactly is going on. For me it was a little dog being taken to a rescue home, a boy being kidnapped... but, somehow, it's just as (possibly even more) sad now I know it's a calf. Poor little bugger. It really is so emotional, and it even adds to my will to give up meat!

    Fantastic poem my friend - you've evoked emotion, and you know for me, that's what poetry is all about.

    David. x

  • Yvette Champ gold member
    July 6, 2006
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    I was captivated by this poetic write of yours,an excellent piece and all the more so for being your first write.Well done indeed,I shall look out for more of your work.

  • lillmissunshine
    July 6, 2006
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    Oh my word this is so amazing!! I thought it was a poem about a real boy !!! It is so cute. I understand why you would cry (sorta) How old were you when you wrote this? One thing If I were you I would put more bold words in the upper paragraphs, or less in the lower ones. other than that its great!
    Kimberly


  • lilbrokencatwoman
    July 6, 2006
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    WOW!!Dats SO AWESOME!!!Its cool!!I love it!!Its like da best poem ive eva read!!!

  • Revwilliamfoos
    July 6, 2006
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    wow such a wonerful write it is a joy to love your mother in such a way such a powerful way her spirit will always be with you it sounds to me keep doing well
    love the papa


  • JeannieD Hunter gold member
    July 6, 2006
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    OMG!!! Wow this is
    so amazing. And the
    reason I don't eat
    veal. You have done
    and incredible job
    on this poem.
    Just brilliant.
    Very touching poem.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Jeannie D Hunter

  • June-bug
    July 6, 2006
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    Excellent

    this is wonderful you have a very specical gift, I would have never thought of this as being about an animal, I know the kind of relationship you write about is the kind I have with my own son, he is very much a momma boy, you have touch me very deeply with you write, keep up i truly enjoy you work. Lovely

  • Tam
    July 2, 2006
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    Thank you WolfHeart for reading and commenting on my poem "Then Silence". I appreciate your kind words.
    Yes, that is the very first poem I ever wrote. I had no idea (at the time) where it came from, I was compelled to write this poem on Post-It notes!!! I HAD TO WRITE IT.
    Then I cried for three days. I felt the fear of the calf. I felt the mourning of the Mother losing her son. I felt it all...
    Blessings! Tammy


  • WolfHeart
    July 2, 2006
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    well done

    Oh, I am a Charlotte's Web kind of gal. This was so horrifying and I was holding my breath to see what came next. I am so glad I found this poem, and for your first - way to go.
    hugs WolfHeart


  • No.Longer.Bleeding
    May 29, 2006
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    omgosh this was soo sad! it took me a LONG time to figure out what it was, then i finally read your comment.. omgosh, this was.. just sad... i want to cry now.. it makes me feel like becoming a vegetarian... awwww... this was so deep and so breath-taking full of pain, emotion.. animals have feelings too, i guess... do you believe that they have souls?

    Monica <3

  • Tam
    May 27, 2006
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    Thank you sunshinegirl for your kind words. I appreciate it. My prayers for your son, hope all is well. Have a blessed evening. Tammy

  • Tam
    May 27, 2006
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    Hello YourWordsBurn! Thank you for reading and commenting on "Then Silence" the first poem I ever wrote. I appreciate it. Then Silence is about a calf being born for only slaughter. Which is why he was measured and weighed. He was taken from his Mother (who feared his fate) frightened, alone to the slaughter house where he was held in dark terror, alone, hearing the others scream for mercy. Until he was also killed. Such a dark poem for my very first. Imagine my surprise when I wrote it. I cried for three days after I wrote that poem. God works in mysterious ways.
    Thank you for your honesty. Blessings to you! Tammy


  • StarEyes
    May 27, 2006
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    OMG!!!!!!!!! amazing!!! wow!!!!!! reminds me of all the things that went through my mind when my son broke his neck! But is is ok, dont worry about that!!!!!!! out of applause, but if I had any left, you would get them! I see why you cried for three days!!! Great write! Keep that pen flowing!!


  • MissStranger
    May 27, 2006
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    Oh,God!You really made me cry!even if the structure is simple the message makes even the most cold-heart person to burst into tears!very,very nice work!Keep up and give life to your inner feelings!


  • CalmBeforeTheStorm
    May 26, 2006
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    WOW!!

    That was so amazing. As I started reading the poem I was wondering why the spooky background. Now I understand. It was like watching a thriller movie where you don't know whats going to happen next. edge of your seat suspense at its greatest. All I can say is Wow!

  • augustconfession
    May 26, 2006
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    such an amazing poem.
    the use of imagery was incredible.
    i could slowly see "momma" being taken away.

    for your first poem, i applaud you!!!

  • Angel-In-Darkness
    May 26, 2006
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    Wow this is so sad! At first it was beautiful, a parent's joys. Being a mother I felt the little one's cry (as crazy as it seems since it's an animal...didn't know that until I read the comments lol) It's very deep and it has very nice flow. You are talented!

    Angie

  • Tam
    May 24, 2006
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    Then Silence is about a calf being born for only slaughter. The pain he and his Mother feel, and the sadness I feel as well.
    Then Silence is the very FIRST poem I ever wrote. God works in mysterious ways. Blessings! Tammy


  • CandleLit-Heart
    May 23, 2006
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    amazing

    this is full of emotion and it makes me so... sad and worried! i can't figure out what happened to him! i love it, though. the structure is amazing and it's all so unified (like "paint"). okay he's an animal. i just figured that out and it's sad. i LOVE this poem... it's amazing.


  • silverscent gold member
    May 19, 2006
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    A very touching poem. The repetition on "Mamma" was heart wrenching. An emotive and powerful write. I love stories within a poem, even if they are sad. Well done.


  • LonesomeAngel
    May 18, 2006
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    well written/deep

    wow! this is such a heartstopping write, i loved yet hated to read this piece as i love animals and can't bare the thought of knowing that one is going to be hurt or worse! keep it up and keep on penning

1 - 38 of 38