Pavlov's wife

My apologies to your actual wife, Pavlov, it isn't you, it's me.

Pavlov's wife

like a dog salivating
at the bell,
your words cut me
like razors through
the thin skin of my
tenderest parts --

the mere thought of
you and what you did
makes me ready
to take flight,
running --

trying to escape
the memory of one
tethered to me by
the string of our
children you try to use
as bait to reel me back in.

this time,
when you ring your bell
I will turn my head
mouth dry;
standing tall.
I will not bark for you anymore,
no matter how hard you insist.

not a dog,
not a wife,
not anymore.

Author's Note

captcha excudate
poem edited slightly thanks to comments by ranscan

Reviews

[Neville]

Here we have quite an excellent write methinks. Not just one message but possibly many, each superimposed one on top of another perchance. My guess is that the initial impact will fade and be replaced by further emerging themes, or maybe not. Anyway, as far as I am concerned, quite a delight to meander through on this sunny afternoon.

Hey KL, not a lot of people are aware these days & maybe never were that Pavlov's dogs lost their 'classical conditioning' response when the cellar that Mr. Pavlov was conducting his experiments in flooded.... All Good Things, N

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much for this wonderfully insightful review, and I vaguely remember that story.

[ranscan]

A mature exploration expanding the scientific concept to a rather more interesting conclusion.
The framework is strong. This moves with purpose while still validating the emotions expressed within the work.
It reads as a personal piece, however it speaks to a larger audience, and is in the end a reflection of growth and an affirmation of the ability to choose, to act rather than react.
It is simply my own opinion, but the use of f*****g is unnecessary to the line it is in, as well as to the power of the piece. It suggests that though one is no longer reacting in the way the ringer of the bell wishes, you are still chained to the bell, unable to ignore the silly manipulations of a beaten foe.
Still a grand work, and I like that the captcha was so fitting.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for your very thoughtful and considered review. You are very right. I was angry at the time. Much of my work from then is very harsh. I think it is unnecessary too.:)

[Frieda P]

Oh WOW and ouch! I was hoping you didn't lose that edge, silly moi!

[Lyn Anderson]

Sharp as a tack, razor, that's me, and I will always have bite:)

[Madalyn Beck]

Powerful and intense! Damn straight, you won't be a dog to him! His impact on your life is very prominent in this write and I think you are also hinting to him about your kitty claws in this one. He wanted an obedient dog to do what it was told, when what he got was a cat who said eff that! Love you, KL! xo (:

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much, and damned straight, I am doing my best to keep on an even keel.

[Sami Khalil]

You go Kl. A very powerful and empowering to others who are victims of this cycle of abuse and use. Marriage should be a partnership between equals...Splendid...:)..........

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much for the "you go girl"

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:).................

[Baby Ricochet]

Pretty intense piece KL. Excellent work

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is flooded with irony and strong imagery...it rings my bell.

[Lyn Anderson]

I appreciate that, very much.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

We all desire respect and no one is beneath anyone else… and especially when you love someone, controlling someone is only a form of false self esteem to the abuser.

[Lyn Anderson]

thank you so much for your thoughts.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

My pleasure :))