Emptiness

Sadness surrounds me 
on every side 
No more hellos 
and no goodbyes 

Just an emptiness 
that overwhelms 
Alone in a world 
on the verge of hell 

There's no more light 
and no more joy 
No more hope 
left to employ 

Shattered dreams fall 
from a shattered soul 
The abuse of man 
has taken its toll

Scars remain 
under the skin 
Sexual corruption 
led to horrendous sin 

Battered and bruised 
my heart cries in pain 
Nothing left to lose 
and nothing to gain 

Just darkness is left 
by mans moral disease 
By my inability to fight 
and my need to please 

Just a loneliness and pain 
that runs too deep 
Creeps into my mind 
and steals my sleep 

Though life remains 
flowing through my veins
My bloods been tainted 
by men's deadly games 

Memories of abuse 
imprinted in my cells 
Vileness penetrated 
that I can't expel 

Reviews

[Frieda P]

First let me say, good to see you again and read your poetry, I've missed you Carolann....and you knew this one would speak to me in sharp painful jabs....

Shattered dreams fall
from a shattered soul
The abuse of man
has taken its toll

It takes its toll and keeps on giving, very affecting my friend.

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much Frieda I've missed you too. Yes it certainly does keep on giving sometimes in the most horrendous of ways.

[Frieda P]

More often than not, yes unfortunately...stick around will ya? :-)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Yeah I'll try to stay around this time. I believe that I somehow belong here :)

[Coyote Poetry]

"My bloods been tainted
by men's deadly games "
Lesson are learn and never forgotten. The poem was strong and told of the internal struggle to overcome abuse. The above lines are true. You will be tainted by abuse. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much.

[redflutterby]

Its been awhile since you've posted anything here...I'm so glad to see you back. Once again you've written a heart rending piece on the destructive nature of abuse. Thank you for voicing what so many live with each day. Much love...

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thank you so much. It's good to be back.

[redflutterby]

You're very welcome....

[Aly]

Beautiful!
Your work never ceases to amaze me and impress me. Bravo :)

P.S.
I'm back :)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much Aly it's good to see you back :) I'm back too lol

[dillonjensen]

I found this to be quite enjoyable for the fact that I can somewhat relate to the feeling. Not so much about the love and being torn down by men, but I know what it's like to dig a hole so deep to the point where even the deepest depths can't protect you from what's to come. A point reached where you can no longer dig. Let me say though, the climb back out of the hole is one of the most beautiful things you will ever experience. As the phoenix rises from the ashes, you will rise from the hole an entirely new you. Keep that chin up, and keep swinging at life. For if you don't, you will always keep getting knocked back down that hole. I'm not sure you're going through something painful, but with writing like this it becomes quite evident to me that something once upon a time took its toll.

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thank you I'm glad it spoke to you.

[Sami Khalil]

"Though life remains
flowing through my veins
My bloods been tainted
by men's deadly games

Memories of abuse
imprinted in my cells
Vileness penetrated
that I can't expel "

A very powerful and emotive write. The ending was spectacular...:)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[Emerald Seas]

Another palpable read, Carolann. Working through abuse and its effects is sometimes like walking a tightrope uphill. Some climb above it all, some cannot get past the trauma and stumble off the rope, and others still cling in place terrorized and unable to move in any direction. A thought provoking poem!

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thank you. Yes I agree I seem to climb above it for a while then something trips me and I go tumbling head first straight back into it again. Maybe one day I'll manage to rise above and then actually stay there.

[Chris]

I paused here twice this morning. Coffee got cold both times. A lot of thoughts...

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thank you I'm glad it spoke to you.

[ms. barrie]

I stumbled upon this write while glancing at live feed, glad I did.

I have to stay that this poem is one of a few that I can completely relate to,
Eloquently, heart-wrenching write, amazing use of such pathos of
A lament of the heart, with incredible use of pleasing rhymes, the fluidity
Of this are as if your teardrop are falling onto your paper/monitor.

This is exquisitely poignant write. (Favs.) 100 - 100 - thanks for sharing,
Stay strong & sending you positive healing energy your way.
- Barrie Joy

[Carolann Dowsett]

Wow thank you so much you words mean a lot to me.

[ms. barrie]

You're very welcome, been there, one too many times and your poem
Blew me away. Looking forward to reading more of your writes after I conquer writers block :)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thank you. I look forward to reading some of yours too please send me some RRs :)

[ms. barrie]

Oh I feel it's unfair to send r. Requests because I'm always far behind in
Regards to reviewing but feel free to poke around anytime, on my profile/
Page and thanks :)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Lol ok will do :)

[ms. barrie]

Lol ;) - same here

[Jack...]

Carolann, this was so very sad and the pain is reaching from the screen. It is a shame that people can not be nicer, they can see no further than the end of their own nose. they hurt people because somehow it gives them a sense of strength and dominance and this my friend, is something I will never understand. I know these scars will stay with you always, but each day that passes allows just a bit more healing to take place. I truly hope you continue to heal because you are a beautiful person and a wonderful writer. I miss you around here as you were one of my first friends.

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much Jack and yes gradual healing takes place daily. I've missed being here too it's nice to be back :)

[Jack...]

Good morning Carolann or good evening. :)

[Carolann Dowsett]

Hey Jack :)

[Jack...]

So now it is Good Morning. :)

[icelandicblue]

The pain is palpable is this piece. Shards of former selves scatter the floor:

Shattered dreams fall
from a shattered soul
The abuse of man
has taken its toll

[Carolann Dowsett]

Thanks so much.