You see her in the market,
you pass her on the street.
Maybe she's fussing at her kids
and you smile when your eyes meet.
She could be your neighbor, a stranger, your friend
another mother looking towards days end.
Maybe you sit beside her at the PTA meeting
Maybe you know her well enough to toss out a greeting.
But if you took the time to really know her.
If you didn't let her outsides deter
you from offering friendship without any strings.
you would find she struggles with many things.
She doesn't like her personality, her size.
Maybe these things would come as a surprise.
She hides the scars that testify to her pain.
She lives just on the edge of going insane.
So nightly she hides herself from the world.
Around the knife her fingers curl.
She knows it makes no sense to cause herself more pain
She only does it to keep herself somewhat sane.
All along her body the marks criss cross
quiet testimony of all she has lost.
Battered inside, both body and soul.
She only longs to somehow be made whole.
As the blood drips down to the bathroom floor
for a moment she thinks of her flaws no more.
The cutting and tearing has taken it's toll.
The real pain sets up residence deep in her soul.
Why does it matter what size she wears?
Why must she constantly endure the stares
of those whose expectations she doesn't meet.
The blame lies squarely at society's feet.
Author notes
Kathryn Bowden option #7,c. I think that's the right one, it's the one about how we think we know people, but we really don't.
A contest entry
- The Journey......... by child of grace.
600 points, ended February 20, 2008, 45 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Fire of your mind by DestiniesTwined.
900 points, ended March 13, 2008, 41 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - ~☻~ Society Sucks! So What!?! ~☻~ by Shassidy.
525 points, ended May 25, 2008, 28 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Blame it on society. by abyssal.
475 points, ended May 10, 2008, 13 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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I enjoyed the anonymity of the woman.
Thanks for the entry.
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emotive.
Wow, this is powerfully to the point. I loathe all the superficial images that the media throws at people, as these images often contain a slow poison that will surely kill. I have writted about this in my poem 'Conformity gone Mad' - if u get a moment please take a look.
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WOW
i totally love this piece and can relate to it very well.
i love the way you worded it and carried it out...my favorite stanzas are 4-6...
i am at a loss for words in a way...i love it so much that i dont really know what more to say...lol...
GREAT write..good luck in the contest
-kim
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This is a great piece! I really love the emotion in this and the imagery and word choice, it all makes the poem really powerful. My favorite parts are stanzas 4-8 because they just have so much emotion and so many powerful lines. The idea of the title is a bit clichéd, but it is still a powerful title and it reflects the poem well, so it works. Great job and good luck in the contest!
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Beautiful poem BRAVO! BRAVO! I loved this piece sweetheart. Youre another finalist
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Bravo, although I am not a cutter physically I often mentally cut and watch the blood drip. It's quite hypnotic and often more calming than deep breathing and taking a walk.
Though my agony is not cause from society upset with my outward appearance physically, it is more rooted in the standard of mothering and my short comings in their eyes.
Thank you for sharing this, its a very expressive write.
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I definately agree with you here we don't always know people the way we think we do. Often, we'll make assumptions about the way people are or how they feel and really that's not fair. Great take on this topic.
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Because of the abundance of entries into the contest... I will not be breaking down the score... but will be quick commenting.... your score is... 36... out of 40.. thank you for entering and participating in my contest, and good luck,
~luminescence
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Thank you for entering this into my contest. It's really sad and well written. I relate to the poor woman. Good work, and good luck.
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so much of this I relate to. practically the whole thing
and so much truth lies in this as well. I really enjoyed it, and thought the flow and rhyme were just fine!
thanks for entering this piece!
Cheers,
S -
There is so much feeling held in these words and so much truth. If we all just took a moment...no telling how much it could mean to someone. The rhyme is good but it could be a bit smoother in places. Thank you for the entry.
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I feel the rhyme and the personal nouns take most of the effect away. But a very honest and reflective piece.
Thanks for entering,
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Brilliant
Well written Kathryn, it somes from the heart
Love Light and Peace -
i can relate to her...
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