8 ways of looking at a black eye

domestic violence at it's finest - though in part, inspired by a piece entitled, "16 ways of looking at a blackbird"

I

Olive's skin perfection marred

angry purples.  blacks.  reds.

An eye which will not close.

II

The white hot

flash.  crack.

splitting of bones.

III

Splitting of bones?

Splitting of families.

These things which

cannot be undone.

IV

Sad faced nurses

sympathetic, pat my hand

"poor thing".

the hospital smells like piss.

V

Strangers double take, stare

whisper as I walk among society

Pity? Curiosity?

F**k them all.

VI

A shaky past

unsteady girl, "they'll say

you're just insane", she says

Mother dearest.

VII

Exposed and vulnerable

the ugliest truth:

impossible

to deny.

VIII

Picking myself up - stand

shake it out, shake it off

walk forward.  Alone.

Don't look back.

Reviews

[Matt Sayer]

Like the stages of grief, the abashed injury transforms under Time's inexorable onward gaze. Like stacked dominos, the pain cascades into something more with every brush of exposure. I feel you've captured the mood of the various periods impeccably, such a masterful effort with these succinct stanzas. I loved the line "the hospital smells like piss." because it evokes the putrescent odour of the entire piece, and highlights the trash pile abandonment of the most in need. Marvelous work Susannah! :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You have a knack for entwine drama in the ordinary. This has such impact, such pathos!

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the logic of the poem. Many reasons for a black eye. I like your examples and statements. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote