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Stained Glass Tears

She knew too late of countless mornings
her son was summoned without warning.
His cries echoed down deaf halls,
no answer to his sobbing calls.
For years the priest laid hands on him,
staining innocence with sin.

Broken by his stained glass tears,
she mourns for her son's martyred years.

His nightmares that she came to dread,
soaked sheets and pillows on his bed.
His rage which filled her heart with fear
robbed her desire to draw him near.
He fled the horrors in his head
that bitter day she found him dead.

Broken by his stained glass tears,
she mourns for her son's martyred years.

She can’t forgive herself the sin
she never fought to rescue him.
His gaping wound too great to kiss,
as deep and dark as hell’s abyss.
Broken by his stained glass tears,
she mourns for her son's martyred years.



Author notes



I live near Boston, where the priest sex abuse scandal exploded a few years back. I stood in solidarity at protests with the survivors, and heard or read a number of their stories. It broke my heart that my religion could be the apex of such sorrow and evil.


If you are depressed and/or suicidal, please get help. Here are a few resources:

metanoia ~ http://www.metanoia.org ~ http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

AFSP Association for Suicide Prevention ~ http://www.afsp.org/

NAMI National Association of Mental Illness ~ http://www.nami.org/

Parents, there's help for you, too!

Parental Stress Line ~ 1-800-632-8188 ~ www.parentshelpingparents.org

In a list

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Comments

1 - 47 of 47

  • AngelsKissesJenna
    April 12

    Edit | Reply
    *Cries*

    This made me cry.
    Being molested is
    horrible. I went throught
    it all at the age of 8 and stopped
    just 2 years ago when I was 15 (Now
    I'm 17)


  • LovelyTraces
    April 4

    Edit | Reply
    First off, I love the background you chose for this. Absolutely perfect setting for the poem.

    Secondly, there's wasn't one spot in this that didn't work. The whole thing flowed together so perfectly, and stayed focused on the topic, and expressed to the reader what (I believe) you wanted it to.

    Now, for my favorite part:

    "His nightmares that she came to dread,
    soaked sheets and pillows on his bed.
    His rage which filled her heart with fear
    robbed her desire to draw him near."

    This specific stanza stands out to me because it shows how the people around the abused handle it. It tells about how they withdraw their love and effection, right when the victims need it most. The way I took this poem was that the boy killed himself because after all he'd been through, he probably felt like a monster because of his rage and other effects of the abuse. He probably blamed himself for his mother's lack of effection, and felt like he had done this. Again, this is just what I took from it, but that's not the only point I got out of it. :]

    I'm a big fan of your repetition.
    "Broken by his stained glass tears,
    she mourns for her son's martyred years."

    This verse is specifically powerful, and I love the beautifully phrased "stained glass tears."



  • WednesdayJade
    April 3
    Edit | Reply
    Aw, this is a really strong, emotional write. I've heard a lot of storys about priests abusing children... which is sickeningly ironic.
    I like how your poem focuses on the pain of the mother, showing how other people are affected when abuse happens to someone they love.
    I like it
    x x x


  • Frances Nightengale
    March 16

    Edit | Reply
    I can not fully understand the pain of a mother, being a victim myself, but this makes me see a little more clearly into that. Thank you. This is an amazing powerful poem. Undeniably great. Thank you for submitting.


  • a59teeth
    March 15

    Edit | Reply

    a horrible truth

    how many mothers can relate to this? i know one in particular whose tears would not stop should she read this...you've done a wonderful job expressing this very particular type of pain!!


  • Nicada silver member
    February 10

    Edit | Reply
    Wow! The message shared here is an important and powerful one. Unfortunately this is what happens too many times in any abuse situation. The victim is not always listened to or heard and they suffer in the silence. This poem touched me deeply. Thanks so much for entering. Blessings, Patty


  • dustytiger
    January 30

    Edit | Reply
    this is really strong, what a sad message but so powerful and unfortuantly real, it's so well written, but full of pain, wow great work

  • The Rainbows Mind
    December 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well, it is rather interesting. Though I don't specifically support or endorse any specific religion, I am not opposed to it. However, I am opposed to the idea of those within the religious sector using it as a crutch. Just because one is a holy man or woman doesn't excuse them from the law. Somehow this problem seems to be overlooked and swept under the proverbial rug.
    Our society's way too focused on forming laws that prohibit gays from getting married. Oooh, distraction to take away from the real problems. I'm not generalizing, I'm simply saying that if I were a religious person, I would be offended by anyone who uses it as a shield or crutch.
    This was a very well scripted poem and I could really feel the emotion. Good luck and thanks for entering.

    • Freed by Mercy silver member
      December 2, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      One who molests children is not holy, but sick and demented. They use the facade of holiness to give them easier access to children, in most cases. That the bishops stood by and allowed this to go on is what really sickens me even more. Yes, I am a Catholic.
      Yes, I am angered by this.

      Thanks for your comment and clappies.


  • pumpykin
    December 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Amazingly written, and the rhyming scheme just flows so nicely Great job, no wonder you got so many trophies on it ^-^


  • chilali
    October 14, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Congrats on all the trophies! I must say, you deserved them all! I think and know that this will do very will in this contest, As dark as it gets. You deserve to be one of the winners, I love the rhymes in this poem. I love the way it flows. The title is just amazing and the background is beautiful. Very well done. Good luck, not that you need it though!

  • midnightblue1272
    May 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Dear God!

    I am flabbergasted after reading this. You are right on one thing: the church has let a lot of horror stories go unheard until someone finds the courage to blow the whistle. Incredible poem!


  • Rakerman1
    April 13, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I see why this won gold and agree with Abear's decision. This touches a subject that has caused much heartache and life ruin for many. In addition, it is penned perfectly.

    Very well done
    Roses
    Raker


    • Freed by Mercy silver member
      April 13, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you so much! Your comment means a lot to me!

    • piccola silver member
      April 13, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      I'm glad that you agree with my decision. You're one of my favorites and I adore your rhyming skill ... it's always perfection in my eyes. Popcorn is one of my favorite writes and I wanted to give it gold...if 2 writes could get gold then ... well yeah. I even asked opinions and got many different ones. In the end, it was me alone that had to decide and it was tough!
      have one on me my friend.

  • piccola silver member
    April 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is ... well, I don't quite know what to say. My son was not sexually abused, but physical and emotional abuse took place in our home. The first two lines of the last stanza hit home with me because I carry guilt that I never did enough to stop it. He fled home at an early age, got into drugs, etc. We've drawn away from each other. Intervening years have seen many attempts at healing but ... like your poetry says, the wound is too big...too deep. Thank you so much for this entry, I enjoyed it very much. great rhyme too.

    • Freed by Mercy silver member
      April 13, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks, abear. This write means a lot to me, and to see it awarded gold out of all these poems (including Rakerman's!) is very gratifying.


  • cricketjeff gold member
    February 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Very hard to judge this sort of work, good solid rhyme and flow but the huge content is the important thing. I'd like to say we enjoyed reading it but that isn't quite the right word!
    Thanks a lot for your entry and please have a look at entering the Grand Finale we'd love to have you.
    Jeff and Sue


  • LadyUnique silver member
    January 17, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    powerful write with a solid rhyme. your words are very clear, I was able to pick up the subject before I read your author notes.
    thank you for entering and good luck

  • Raven Judge
    September 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    The visual feeling (specifically pain) that is evident throughout this piece is (as is often the case) more indicative of the author's ability then is the use of rhyme and flow, which, itself, is not strained much throughout. The mother's guilt is a powerful motivating factor in this work and I am pleased to see how you have highlighted it indirectly with the repeating couplet.

    This was both a good and tragic way to start my reviewing day.

    Thank you for your entry.

    ~Das


  • earthstar
    September 23, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I agree with Northern Raven it might of been better as a free verse. It leaves me as the reader wanting more. Child abuse is a touchy subject. Which it should be. I think you did very well with the form. It clearly a well wrote poem about a extremely tough subject. My hat is off to you for doing it so very well. I understand your form. I greatly admire how you combine it so very well. I think it just leaves the reader wanting more. The flow is extremely well done. I truly feel you have done a good job with this write. I hope the very best for you in the final round. Well done.


  • ckwriter69
    September 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Very intense and powerful write. Great images and descriptions. Thanks for sharing it and congrats on your silver trophy.


  • Northern Raven
    August 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Child abuse is one of the most hateful crimes and often one that isn’t discovered for many years, leaving a child to grow into adulthood bearing ghastly emotional scars that may never be recovered from, or as is the case with this poem, it may lead to suicide. When crimes like this are discovered it may leave those close to the victim feeling guilty because they think they should have known what was taking place in their child’s life and also because they might think others will blame them for not knowing. These feelings are natural but the crime is one that is committed with such secrecy that very often it’s not until a victim speaks out that it is ever uncovered.

    This poem candidly portrays the scenes and feelings of such a situation. I’m torn in two minds over this particular write because I feel it might carry the weight of this hefty topic a little better if it were written as freeverse but as a person who likes rhyme I feel it’s been crafted very well in its current form. What I find works well in bearing the weight is the repetition of the lines “Broken by his stained glass tears, / she mourns for her son's martyred years” because they add reinforcement to the imagery, flow and cohesion of the poem. I can understand clearly why this poem has already attracted trophies.

    Congratulations on reaching the final round of the Raven Contest 2007 and good luck with this entry.

    Northern Raven


  • PageTurner
    August 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    WOW!! This poem was powerful and intense, my friend!
    Well, worth the SILVER you recieved...

    "Broken by his stained glass tears,
    she mourns for her son's martyred years."

    Ya had me in tears, Poet.
    ~ Nicholas

  • Starz of Heaven gold member
    August 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is so very sad their is no excuse children should be protected more. Even though there are laws their need to be tougher ones.

  • Mercury Rising
    August 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Just a superb poem on a very important topic. Best of luck in my contest, and thanks for entering this wonderful poem.

    David


  • Tamera
    August 8, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Until this country gives death penalty to these murders of innocence it is as responsible as the rapist for every child victim. The weak sentences do nothing to curtail this the prevalence speaks for it's self. within families, within churches, and schools, and neighborhoods these sickos live free to prey on our children. you can not cure them or reform them if the urge is there they are lost and a danger to all children they are near. The Death Penalty is the only way to protect children from them.

  • Bob 42 silver member
    August 8, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    My abuser recently passed away; after retiring from a career which culminated with a local Superior Court Judgeship. As a law student in the `50`s, he should have known better but I hold no malice. `Tis not for me to judge. May God Bless you and your son.


  • RatherImaginative silver member
    August 6, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Oh my gosh, this is sad. Your rhythm and imagery are powerful and very moving. I can't even begin to imagine the suffering this mother must continue to endure.


  • tawk gold member
    August 5, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I know that it has ruined mine in many ways. Yes I have started a new life and tried to go on. But the past always haunts me.. Great write thanks for speaking out


  • My Darkness
    June 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    oh my...this is sooo sad! great write though, you are a great writer! thanks for entering and good luck to you


  • tinuelena
    June 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Good topic, good language, but you've been held back by the chains of rhyme. I think this would have done very well in a loose format without the restrictions of rhyming.

    We're going in a freeverse direction with the book, so this wasn't quite what we were looking for. Thanks for the entry though If you would like further explanation, please send me a private message and a link to the poem and I will be glad to discuss it with you.

    Thanks,
    Elizabeth

  • Pale Lady
    June 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is a very good write in the poem itself. it flows with ease.

    The subject matter is horrific and true it does ruin lives and leave scars that stain...
    Sadly those that feels the pain are never those that deserves the pain.

    Good luck


  • SoftlyScreaming
    June 11, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    this was amazing.. how much people go through, and everyones pain is different.. we can never change our past though, nor anyone elses, the memories stay forever.. this was a beautiful poem and a great message to those who are/were in sexual abuse situations.. very nice write, i wish the best for you in the contest


  • x-Black-Butterfly-x gold member
    June 2, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    it is right childhood sexual abuse does ruin lives and it leaves emotional scars which can not be kissed better. but one thing i would say is to not blame yourself...my mother does but what can we do..everyone is just as scared and sometimes crying out for help is just as hard as saying know.
    the poem was emotional and hit me in a sensitive spot where i could feel every emotion
    well done

  • deleteit
    May 14, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This had me in tears and it is a tragedy. It's hard to cope, so hard in fact that reality ends just like this that you have written. Your message speaks loud and clear, I just wish more people would hear it...listen to it. Understand it. Nicely done

  • JM Kenyon silver member
    May 7, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Excellent rhythm and rhyme to this write. Very dark ad sad as well. Terrific, emotionally stirring poem.

    s and best wishes always... ~Genie~

    Note: Due to high volume of entries, I'll be using a scoring system to judge after the contest closes.


  • Recluse Writer gold member
    April 10, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Goosebumps galore on reading this. Love it!
    Brilliant rhyme scheme and the repetition worked wonderfully. Such a tragic story you managed to convey very well indeed.
    I wish you well in this contest
    Linda


  • Lady-Pegasus
    April 3, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for your contest submission, I do need to ask you review the rules and edit your submission appropriately. Please IM me and let me know this has been done, thank you.
    WOW, such a deep and disturbing piece, it flows well and speaks volumes in silence. Well done, poet, well done indeed!
    Best of luck in this and all of your endeavors. Hetohke'e *


  • AliceinPoetryLand gold member
    March 29, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Oh my this poem is bursting with emotion. A most wonderful write that reads, flows and rhymes so well.
    Gaylene

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