From the edge of the woods where
She's lain crumpled since her last beating
Since coming to, her head is crashing
Crazily and her skin burns so, she fears
She might actually be glowing ...
Except for a tiny blood blackened split
Over one eyebrow, she appears unharmed;
Her bruises are of the deep-tissue type
And she knows as she draws to a crouch
First, then
finally hauls herself to her feet,
Walking is going to cause pain so severe
It will pierce every single part of her -
Bursting flowers of agony like fireworks;
It's not the first
time, she's had to chisel out
A normal seeming demeanor to get her
Through, but it's getting closer to the last
S.E.Ingraham©
Oh! This bruises deep. Goodness.
ReplyDeleteAnd that last line can be read two ways...ultimate hope, or complete loss. Wonderful.
Sharon, this is filled with pain and agony. I see hope in the ending. Strong piece.
ReplyDeletePamela
"flowers of agony"
ReplyDeleteI can see them. And I'd rather not.
Half a Whirl
Wonderfully written, Sharon... so sad.
ReplyDeletethe ambiguity of the ending is superb - and heartbreaking. Strong write!
ReplyDeleteWow, deep tissue!
ReplyDeleteAwww... heart breaking. No-one ought to be so abused.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of The Hunger Games...the book series...I have not seen the movie yet. The pain and having to continue... Strong write. I like,I like!!
ReplyDeleteStrong visuals and wise use of the words. "Deep tissue" wounds are often the most lasting. And your poem is a tribute to those who have encountered such experiences. Thank you,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
A strong write for sure, Sharon. Somehow the darkened hue and pain slipped past me when I read the words. But I can see how they fit into that description. Your work always triggers things in my thought process. And that is NOT a bad thing.
ReplyDeletehorrible circumstances, well written. There are some things I just cannot fathom.....
ReplyDeleteSharp, poignant, true to life. Hope it's not someone you know.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what exactly happened to her! It sure is nasty! Great write Sharon!
ReplyDeleteHank
It is unfortunate that I actually knew a woman who was 'secretly' beaten by her husband. I can only hope that she was able to leave. You have captured this dilemma. I would like to think I captured a different emotion here...(not a priority read just an FYI ...)
ReplyDeleteThis was written for a different word list:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/06/waitingrosemary-midweek-melting-2.html
Thanks for your visit to my Wordle.
Very moving and powerful. A thoughtful look at appearances - and what people do to maintain them - abusers and the abused.
ReplyDeleteRichard
Oh Sharon, my deep tissue is on fire!
ReplyDeleteA well-wrought visual poem of abuse. It is chilling and powerful. This collection of words has led us in a few directions. I have not read all the entries yet, but this is the only one that encompasses abuse. Mine was quite different, but it is because I chose to use the words within the context of a special friendship.
ReplyDeleteGreat ending! Wow, everyone seems to have written about physical abuse.
ReplyDelete