ABBATOIR

Spoken word

They made me feel repugnant 

My private life was fed to the insatiable public

Like shovels full of manure

People I called friends feigned kindness and concern 

...yet they were vipers.

Every smile held the hint of a hiss and a flick of their forked tongues

I wondered aloud “ with friends like these who needs enemies?

But you know what?

I am done with this charade

I’m walking out of this slaughterhouse 

...where my soul has been kept captive for years.

I have held my breathe for too long...no more!

Like a dream they walked in together

“You asked to see us”?

“Yes” I answered as my hands shook.

I felt atrociously clumsy but I had to confront my jailers,

The ones who tied my soul to a stake

The ones who came in from time to time to cut a piece of my soul

...leaving me in a pool of my blood

I struggled to meet their mocking stares but barreled through 

“Today,I declare my independence,

Your toxic services are no longer needed.

You may leave my life

They were bewildered,embarrassed,amused and insulted

...all at the same time but walked out.

I collapsed to the floor in heart wrenching pain,

Emotions swarmed through me.

Then the only hands that ever pulled me up enveloped me  in a hug 

And rocked me back and forth saying

“It’s over now,I’m still here”

Author's Note

I appreciate polite criticism.

Reviews

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Interesting title. I had to google it but it fits perfectly with this strong read. I know this poem is a vent but I can't help but to see the art put in this poetry, the wording, feeling, emotion, imagery, everything was so well put, and made this a powerful read. tyfs

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

Dear Cyprian.
Your words are so kind and encouraging.
Thank you