Like the Willow...She Weeps.

By ColorMeToxic

 

She doesn't eat now because growing up
she often had to beg for her place at the table...
sometimes her requests were denied.

So she figured out, that she liked the protest
that her stomach made...
She liked the idea  of gaining  control over whether or not she ate.

Funny thing is when she stopped caring, 
they became angry with her, I guess they were only happy
if she was crying and begging them to treat her like a human being.


She doesn't sleep now because growing up
when she slept, bad things would happen.
She learned that sleep summoned monsters.

These monsters were male, large, and brutal.
They took what they wanted...
No matter how much she pleaded for them not to.

Somehow she thinks if she skips sleep,
She can keep her self safe,
from all of the night-time, monstrous creeps...


She doesn't talk now because growing up,
she needed permission to speak.
Do not speak unless spoken to, this was the rule, you see.

Days spent in silence, reading books in secret...
Had to hide her literature, so her mother wouldn't destroy it.
I suppose she thought the girl should be stupid.

But the girl wasn't stupid, and she couldn't wait to leave,
this place called hell,  that should have been home...
there was no safe place for her to claim as her own.


This is why she is who she is...

And like the Willow, she weeps.






Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
© 2015 Beth Greene
Published on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.     Filed under: "Abuse" and "Poetry"

Author's Note:

About someone I know...
Log In or Join (free) to see the special features here.

Comments on "Like the Willow...She Weeps."

Log in to post comments.
  • FireAsylum On Saturday, June 27, 2015, FireAsylum (19)By person wrote:

    Thank you for sharing this. This was very moving. No one should have to go through this, let alone children. Pains me to even imagine the emotional damage this causes. You did a great job conveying the thought!

  • A former member wrote: This touched a place deep inside... powerful piece! Thank you so much for sharing! Can't wait to read more of your work! Beautifully done love!

  • ColorMeToxic On Sunday, August 19, 2012, ColorMeToxic (240)By person wrote:

    Thank you very much. Scholar

  • Gray Vision On Monday, March 26, 2012, Gray Vision (425)By person wrote:

    I think I know who she is and I'm glad, I'm happy that much has changed. It's experiences like this that molds us into who we are and makes the little things in life that most over look, that much more precious to us. Thank you for sharing and by the way, her secret is safe with me, take care =)

  • A former member wrote: it's really sad when we are not safe in our own home.

  • TyrantAvDetForbannet On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, TyrantAvDetForbannet (274)By person wrote:

    Great write, very heavy.

  • Gemini On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, Gemini (31)By person wrote:

    It's hard enough to deal with the permission to speak let alone the rest of the malicious disrespect of a human being.

  • sexxykiller14 On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, sexxykiller14 (38)By person wrote:

    good job of describing. i know many familys like this. its very sad.

  • dwells On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, dwells (4288)By person wrote:

    I've known families like this when I was a child, and privy to such "childish" observations. Fortunately not mine though - I guess I was lucky. Thanks for this slice of life. The truth always rings so true.

  • Alchemist On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, Alchemist (688)By person wrote:

    Wow, what a touching work that makes me think about my little girl and say that shit will never happen to her, it would be over my dead body, I just don't see how you can treat anyone that way let alone your own child.

  • lupus tenebrae On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, lupus tenebrae (872)By person wrote:

    The last part, really clicked with me. People often wonder why I'm so modest, so quiet, so soft spoken, it's because I never had the chance to speak. My literal voice was constantly shushed, so I had to quietly hone my inner voice, an intellect that differed from their callous design. These hands were my freedom, they were and always will be my true voice. Very heart-wrenching Beth, thank you. Scholar

  • natalie On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, natalie (3174)By person wrote:

    (hugs) you are a strong guy...and have come a long way by the looks of it.

  • Devilish On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, Devilish (2662)By person wrote:

    Beautiful...... Scholar

  • A former member wrote: speechless!!! ~ HDL. Scholar

  • alex herewane On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, alex herewane (150)By person wrote:

    what a great write, I could identify with so much of it, I like the understated easy way you portray it. I don't like to dwell on my childhood or that of my brothers and sisters and I thank you for allowing me to step back and have a look.

Contribution Level

Poets Bookmarking This Work
ColorMeToxic's Favorite Poets
ColorMeToxic's Favorite Works
Share/Save This Post



Join DarkPoetry Join to get a profile like this for yourself. It's quick and free.

How to Criticize Without Causing Offense
© 1998-2024 DarkPoetry LLC
Donate
[Join (free)]    [More Poetry]    [Get Help]    [Our Poets]    [Read Poems]    [Terms & Privacy]