I remember growing up.
My father would go out some days
Come home drunk and all coked up late for dinner
After Mama had spent hours in the kitchen.
Sometimes she would make his favorite meal.
If he was in a foul mood, it wouldn't matter.
Dinner would end up on the floor.
He'd bolt up from the table muttering "Bitch can't even cook"
Later at night, I would be in my bedroom.
My father would pick a fight with Mama.
I'd hear him calling her things like
"Fucking whore" or "God damn slut".
He would blame her for things she never did wrong
And accuse her of adultery, just for looking at a guy
Or being on the phone with someone too long.
In the morning, I 'd be afraid to go downstairs
Cause Mama had so many black eyes and bruised cheeks
That I lost count.
It always tore me to ribbons.
And it was always the same.
My father would be all lovey dovey to Mama,
And neither acted like anything happened
And he'd be all sweet to me
Me, I got my share too, yeah I did.
If I brought home a C from school, my father wanted a B.
If it was a B, he wanted an A.
If I didn't, I got the stuffing knocked out of me,
Then he'd called me a worthless embarrassment.
I hate that fucking son of a bitch.
Then you came along.
You were so kind, and patient, and gentle.
And loving.
And I pushed you away so many times.
But you keep coming back.
Christ, you're stubborn
And I'm scared.
And confused.
I feel like Cinderella waiting for the other shoe to drop
And the beating and name calling to start.
I thought that's what love was
I'm too scared to say it, but I love you.
Don't give up on me.
Please don't give up on me.
Author notes
Option 3: "He hit me and it felt like a kiss"
- Critical Reviewers One group list • next in list
A contest entry
- Second Annual April is Abuse Awearness Month. by FallenFromGrace1102.
1000 points, ended May 10, 51 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What do you honestly think?
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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You write so superbly. Your words so powerful and heartwrenching. The abuse unfortunately is everywhere and kids grow up thinking that's how you are suppose to love. You're a fabulous writer.
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this is a really heart rending piece, puts a lump in my throat, you are so talented, and if god forbid this is a personal write, i wish you inner piece and send you virtual cookies and ice cream, seriously your work is incredible
thans for sharing
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The anger is so bold and fear so touching. Great job!
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Wow! I'm choked up with emotion on this one. That is a great thing though, as this was so well written. You nailed your prompt very well with it, and captured such hard-to-express feelings that concur with this type of abuse.
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I hope this didn't happen to you! Very well written.
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I think I've already commented on this ... but great writing. It always brings tears to my eyes.
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a shared sentiment
i am taken back and reminded of myself by this very honest write. lovely poem!!
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So simple, straightforward and powerful. Since you are using occasional punctuation, how about a period at the end of line 15? It's the only crit I could come up with. Beautifully done. Thanks.
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now this is an excellent write. You have lots of imagery here but what I like the most is the emotion you have. You show anger, hatred, confusion, and pain. But also, toward the end you make me feel hope... hope that something better has come your way.
I wouldn't change a single thing in this write. It is perfect in my eyes just as it is. Great job. Thanks for sharing this with us. -
just.. wow
It stunned me quite a bit... Threw me off guard for sure. Wonderful write.
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this made me cry ... in my home there wasn't that much cursing. Beatings with a frozen hose ... knocks on the head with a metal level. "I'm a teacher ... slap! Get the homework done ... Slap! too close to home but really well written. Feelings pour off the page.
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Beautiful heart wrenchingly painful write. GREAT choice of prompt, i'm glad you picked something different from everyone else. I wish you the best of luck in my contest and thank you for entering this piece. i even liked the style you wrote it in it seemed to flow nicely . :] spread the awearness.
*~*bee*~* -
Oh God, scary how true this is for me. My dad liked to hit me and now that's what I think I deserve. I think this is the way all guys are. Then it's so hard to trust other guys and you push them away. The good guys will keep coming back, but it's so hard to trust them and believe they won't do the same later.
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