"Neglect" Contest Submission

Neglect 

Is is neglect when you are provided for?

given shelter, given food,

given a pillow to rest your head at night

under the threat of withholding

unless you profess eternal gratitude

Is it neglect when you are an adult?

when your lack of leverage forces compliance

when no options remain for freedom

no growth, expression, or individuality

Is it neglect when there are people around?

even though they are not talking to you

not seeing, not listening

not acknowledging there's a you in you

Is it neglect when you're still spoken to?

to demean for entertainment

to belittle despite best effort

to lie without remorse

Is it neglect when a hand does not strike?

when the burden of a day crushes your sholders

the daily silence shrieks in your ears

and solitude breaks your spirit

I believe it is.

Author's Note

The contest prompted me to compose this poem relatively quickly. Unfortunately it has some basis in reality. Your comments are welcome.

Reviews

[ICE]

I think that it is too. This is a brilliant piece of work if I may say so!

"Is it neglect when there are people around?
even though they are not talking to you
not seeing, not listening
not acknowledging there's a you in you"

This just spoke to me. The society we live in is so engrossed in electronics that we lose touch with the people who are right next to us. Its a scary place that we live in...
Thank you for sharing this! :)
~ICE