To the women who watched him punch me and said nothing…
To the men who watched him tear me and did nothing…
I could run, but I couldn’t.
My arms were burdened with
Two children weighing heavy on
Me,
Run to where,
to whom,
With them?
I could run, but I couldn’t.
My body was pained from bruises
And contusions and lacerations;
Words now familiar to me, all
Thanks to so many,
Too many,
hospital visits.
He’d be on me before my shadow
Was out the door.
I could run, but I couldn’t.
I could say something, but I couldn’t.
What would words impact
The eyes that have seen fists,
Gracing my skin
Like a punching bag;
Seeing is believing I heard,
You saw- but you did nothing.
What has words gotten over vision.
I could say something, but I couldn’t.
So I caress my limbs with Ice,
And swallow my words
As darkness envelopes the sky..
A coward- maybe.
But how do you sleep at night
With your silence?
Ameena, The abusive situation you describe is so awful and the recipient of such violence are known to get into a trauma that leave them without power to act with force and clarity.
If onlookers don’t say anything, show no helping hand…..well, then they are participating.
I just so hope that the poem is not about you.
bless
Miriam
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Very powerful, and bleak… I truly hope this isn’t about you, dear.
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Thank you very much Beckie! No it is not my personal journey.
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Thank God! 🙂
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I have been in a situation where I helped my friend escape an abusive husband. I may be small but I am a force to be reckoned with! Besides my friend, the only thing hurt was my truck and his pride but I made him pay for the damages.
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Well done! Thank you for all you did for you friend 👏🏽. I love hearing such stories! Kudos 💪🏽
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Having been raised in an abusive home, I know how this feels. Great writer filled with images of pain.
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Aw I am sorry to hear that… we really need to do better I feel, as a society. Thank you!
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So many women have to live experiences like this one and feel powerless- so many others look on and do nothing. They misuse the power they have. Thank you for writing this, and for being a voice to women who feel like they don’t have one.
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Thank you very much Aarti for the comment, I appreciate it. It is heartbreaking, hearing and reading the stories. ❤️
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Powerful.
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Thank you very much EnglePip 😄
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I hope you are safe now.
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Hi there, thank you very much for your concern. This is not my personal story
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Thank you for being our voice.
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Oh Gosh!!! You have said it perfectly well..
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Thank you very much Mich 😊
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