In My Position

In my position

What would you do

When fists are flying

And they're aimed at you

Would you run for cover

Stay out of sight

Or would you just let him hit you

And pretend it's alright

See this bruise here

It was made with a fist

He went for my head

But luckily missed

And this cut here

It was made with a knife

Do you know what it's like

To be a battered wife

He says that he loves me

And that he cares

Lost count of the times

I've tripped on the stairs

I've bruises in places

That they'll never see

But I'll be alright

Don't worry about me

I've burns from cigarettes

And cooker top spills

Been scalded with fat

I hope that it heals

I've black eyes that's tame

I've stitches as well

And broken bones

Too many to tell

The social came calling

Said everything's fine

What goes on in this house

Is no ones business but mine

Why don't I leave him

I'll tell you why

Deep down I love him

Without him I'll die

 

 

 

Reviews

[Azaradelle]

Wow, this poem sent shivers up my spine. I read many poems in this style and find the rhyming slightly forced. This was not the case with your piece. Your wording is simple, yet powerful. It is definitely something that will circle a reader's mind for days to come.
It is devastating to know that so many women go through this pain. I guess this is what they mean by 'the pen is mightier than the sword'.

Thank you for posting this, however chilling, it was a pleasure to read.

Yrs.

Azaradelle.

[Skye Jules]

Your stanzas flow very smoothly. Of course, scold needs to go to scald, but whatever. I like this poem and it does make me realize a lot how desparing such things in society are. "In New York, people dread scandale more than disease." It's almost like that. But at the same time, we can't fully understand someone's situation unless we've been in their place.

[[untitled]]

"Without him I'll die" I don't need to tell you the obvious about that statement. How sad this is and how common. It is something I don't understand, never have! I would be out of there like a shot of adrenalin.
You write on this subject quite a lot Carl and I'm thinking that you either work in the welfare system or have some personal experience with battered wife syndrome. You write with such emotion and commitment. The issue of course is as you mentioned...lack of protection under the banner of domesticity being an inside job and never the police shall enter! It is so frustrating that unless the woman takes herself and her children out of that environment...nothing can be done.
Another disturbing insight from your pen...excellent observation skills...
Cheers,
Helen :-)))