Haute de la Garenne by -LilacThOughts- at All poetry

Haute de la Garenne

Bizarre…
   A most gruesome haunting
today relinquished its secret scar
   Sense of evil is disturbingly daunting
no one to pacify a petrified cry
   Hackles on the neck are now stood high

Abusers…
   Used shackles down in the crypt
now in hiding from their terrified accusers
   They will be found and severely whipped
carers of children the law they defy
   Hackles on the neck are now stood high

Prayers…
   Soft rain fell from tears the Angels shed
children lost down those darkened stairs
   Please God give healing to babes that bled
give them strength to grow wings and fly
   Hackles on the neck are now stood high

Author notes

Option choice: 'Skeleton in the cupboard'

Poetry form: 'Wordflair' created by -LilacThOughts-

Angel background by -LilacThOughts- (Credit to unknown photographer of the statue)

My poem was inspired by the hurt and anger that I've felt, since the news broke about the Jersey Orphanage 'Haute de la Garenne' an austere structure set on a cliff overlooking stormy seas, where victims say the people in charge treated children as captives to be tortured, raped and cast aside. What should have been a happy place filled with the sounds of playing children became, according to the victims, an institution where children lived in silent terror.

Haute de la Garenne means 'Forest Heights'

A contest entry

#53 Winklings Contest by invitation. by Ronald Wiseman. 1660 points, ended March 19, 2008, 6 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest

Comments

1 - 7 of 7

By me, right now

Adding your comment:
Freed by Mercy
July 30, 2008
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Bandits United!
"Please God give healing to babes that bled
give them strength to grow wings and fly"

Your plea for these poor children, and your distress is apparent in this poem; the imagery of their suffering is moving and very sad. A great write about a shameful place and time; yet another episode of child abuse.
ronnica
March 28, 2008

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This is wonderful writing Lilac.no on Inow could have put about this haunting story with more imagery and quality, haunting though it be, I give it 10
MargaretG
March 19, 2008

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This is a shocking story, which should be told from another century but I fear it is current. Your emotion is contagious, I am appalled at this. The poem's images heighten the effect. Well done and congratulations for the trophy.
waydownuponjoy
March 19, 2008
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My first impression was ...
I did not know of this place but before I read your author notes, I was able to know that it was someplace awful and abusive. I liked your style and form for presenting it and while I was not a all familiar with it I was able to throughly appreciate what you had done. Congrats on the trophy too! joy
Ronald Wiseman
March 19, 2008

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"Wordflair" ~ most interesting.
I am depressed. Not with the substance of your poem. No.
Is there anywhere children are safe? Is it that we know more? Has it always been so? I know not the answers. Abuse is horrid; most horrid.
You have put your anger into a poem with an austere, perhaps even Gothic setting. Thank you for this effort into which you placed quite some effort.
Ron.
[Your background does justice to your justified feelings and controlled distress.]
StarEyes
March 5, 2008
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I must learn more about this style! I love it.. This is a sad tale, and gripping. What a great job you did on this one! I pray those victims will one day be able to find a way to smile again.

Best of luck in this contest!!!

and love

Nyetta
Star Shine
March 4, 2008

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Brilliantly constructed, a classic almost gothic style which befits the dark and horrific tale. Very emotional, touches the reader instantly. Bravo.