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Sanctuary

We left because of the violence.
I thought he would kill you or me.
But a child's memory’s a selective thing.
You forgot the beatings because he’s your dad
and you love him.

You lie there sobbing so softly
my heart shatters for you.
You miss him so much, you just want a father
to fish with, play ball with, show off to your friends
you forget yours didn't bother.

I feel so ineffective and guilty
I don't know what to do.
During the nightmare occurring that day
your little heart broke and you cannot forgive me
for taking you away.

I attempt to hold you close
proffering comfort and love
but you twist from me as if I'm your enemy
push me away, crying I want my daddy
and weep uncontrollably.

Trying to shelter your innocence
I won't yet spell the reality.
It’ll be soon enough that you will be grown
saying goodbye to childhood dreams.
The facts then will be known.

But while you're still my baby boy
I'll hold the dark secret close.
To protect your spirit I'll abide your anger
while wishing to God that I had the means
to shield you from truth forever.

And my heart is silently splintering
I believe it's entirely my fault.
I opted badly in my choice of lover
and, as is common in failed relationships
it’s the innocent who suffer.
.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing stage: 

Comments

This is a sad yet common tale in many broken homes. Children do not understand the circumstances of the equation. Their innocent love holds them loyal to a bad parent. You have told this situation well.

this is the only line that bothers me:

to fish with, play ball with, show off to your friends

maybe: to fish and play with, to show off to your friends (?)

other than that, I find no fault. Good work!

always, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

as for that line, i'll look at it ....

love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment

Nice to see you here and this is a great poetic piece. Speaks volumes for what many children go through in this sick world of domestic violence and home life. I can relate to it. I hope you are doing great in Aussie land and what ever happened to Jayne Chloe? Did you start your second book? Take it easy Judy and do not work so hard. Keep on writing!
What happened to the swamp poem? I am still waiting LOL

Love to you
Mona

lovely of you to drop in and read my latest

i'm well, thank you - lol - i forgot all about that poem i was supposed to do - i shall begin work on it :)
keep well
love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment

I could not think of the word for the life of me the other day when I popped in. And you are right the Denizen - I like the Zen in that:) Hope you are doing fine and looking for some other lovely ladies but can not find them here. Did they run off to the swamp too you think:) I see you are doing great poetess with love and thoughts to you. I send. Ms Mona

i'll keep those lines in mind when i edit xxx
much appreciated
love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment

I was so caught up in the anguish that's all I noticed................stan

thanks very much
glad the theme worked for you in detracting from the fact of the poetry (i think... lol)

love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment

Hello judyanne,
I really love your poem, If you don't mind I will like to share this at a reading, with of-course your permission. I promise to mention to my audience that it's from far away Australia. I can't relate with abuse cases, but am attending a reading this weekend and child abuse is one of the themes.

i would be honoured for you to share my poem at your reading
- more than honoured, i am thrilled that you think it worth it

thank you very much
love judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment

This piece has, though sad, a content that is above reproach.
The feelings and trials the main character has to go through is
a sadness that is part of our so called civilisation these days.
A wonderful reminder to those that have problems and a brilliant picture to those that may shrug this situation of as someone else's problem.
I expect a few tears are not mentioned by your readers, Yours Ian.T

.
There are a million reasons to believe in yourself,
So find more reasons to believe in others..

for the very lovely comments
hugs
judy
xxx

'Each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
shall draw the Thing as he sees It, for the God of Things as They are.'
(Rudyard Kipling)

author comment
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