When she was a little girl
she had a beautiful dream
to live in a grown up world
and wake up feeling like a queen
She dreamed of a happy home
with a family by her side
a wonderful, loving family
to fill her heart with pride
She never dreamed of the bad
as a child she never knew
of the black and blue bruises
each day she carried that grew
Somewhere in her confused mind
she knew something was very wrong
but the loving, devoted wife
still dreamed of a happy home
Like the timid, little girl
she blamed herself in part
for not doing as she should
to please her husband's heart
She did everything he wanted
she folded his laundry just right
cooked his meals on time
hoping the flames wouldn't ignite
Each day the scars grew
and the secrets she held within
each time he said I love you
I promise it won't happen again
Her closet became a refuge
a sleeping, little girl in her bed
the mornings she awakened to
held nothing more than dread
A battle was constantly brewing
inside her troubled mind
she was so very tired
just wanting to leave it behind
A dream is not meant to be broken
but it shattered one dark day
she took that dreaded step
and did it anyway
Susie Swanson, 2011
This is a repost from October, 2011.. As some may already know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I wrote this poem with this in mind and the many people that are afflicated by it in one way or another. I can honestly say, I'm one of the lucky ones and have never been a victim of Domestic Violence in any way, shape or form..I come from a loving family and I have been married to the most loving man I could have ever found for almost forty two years..
There's so many people out there that suffers some form of abuse in one way or another everyday.. It's a sad world we live in and it seems to be getting worse everyday.. So this is for them, May God Comfort you and keep you in his safe arms through out your days.. God Bless Each One, Susie
Susie, this is so wonderfully written. Your words portray the heartbreak, the self blame, the decision to leave with power and poignancy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie.. That's what I wanted the reader to get but it could've went either way..It so often does.
DeleteThe ending could have multiple interpretations. Was that intentional?
ReplyDeleteYes Gorges it was intentional..
DeleteVery sad but well written poem, Susie.
ReplyDeleteThank you Daisy.
DeleteSusie,
ReplyDeleteIt is so special of you to write this poem for those that are hurting in some way or another. I also feel for the broken hearted. Maybe you comforted someone with your words today. You are a kind person with good intentions for all. I can't believe you've been married 42 years, that is amazing.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
I hope so Sheri. Yes it will be 42 on the 10th.. I can't believe it sometimes myself..Time sure has a way of flying by.Thank you so much.
DeleteThank you Susie, I saw too much as a child growing up. Then as a young mother. I raised my daughter's to speak their minds, to be kind. If their husbands would be cruel, they must leave or the mate must get counseling. I would never want my daughter's to live my old life. Only a controlling person would not talk things through and settle on a mutual agreement. Smiles, Susie
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry Susie for what you must have went through.. Yes I agree, we need to teach our children to know the difference at an early age.. God Bless you
DeleteVery well said! My heart goes out to those who have suffered so.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth.
DeleteBeautifully written...it's so sad that there are children, young and old, who must endure this type of suffering. My heart goes out to them...
ReplyDelete