A good many of my poems are fiction; this one is not. The experience was traumatic, but I can't help being proud that I fought. Wish I could say that I fought every battle I should have. But I have had my moments. Thank you for being here and allowing me to share one of the worst a n d best. 'Pea
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
To the man who assaulted me in his car
under the highway bridge
just before the turn-off
to Lake Springfield
as traffic hummed overhead
and night began to fall:
Did I bruise you? Did it take time to heal?
Did I hurt your ego?
I was just a child, and you thought I was weak.
Did I surprise you?
I scratched and bit and made my escape.
I won’t ask if you were ashamed.
I won’t ask if you strong-armed some other girl
in under a week. No need to
ask if you had so little respect
for yourself, you filled the gap with hate.
Besides, I am still too busy being relieved
I got away. I got away!!
To the boy who told the man to give me a ride,
then told me I would be safe,
knowing all the while what the man had in mind.
What can I say?
You have to live with yourself,
not I. And besides,
I got away. I got away!!
(c) Phyllis Jean Green, August, 2003
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Reviews of "Refused to be a Victim, Imagine That "
Pea, this brings back a memory that I, too, had to fight! And I got away!!!! Thank you, friend, for sharing such a moment... stay strong....
In Spirit,
Bear
so glad you got away, sweetpea; vivid account of a harrowing and what had to be an extremely scary time! (((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in texas, karen lynn. :(
Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)
Reviewed on August 30, 2003
Phyllis, the drama and chilling feeling in this poem.
PJ
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on August 29, 2003
I am glad you got away. Those two will always hold the shame of that day. Great write.
Oh, Pea, you did good...you got away. Strong piece yet with the essence of the fright you must have felt. Damn them both!! And, yay, YOU got away!
Reviewed by *********** ********** (Reader)
Reviewed on August 29, 2003
You are a very brave Woman to share...Such an experience chills the warmth from blood.
Writing helps to sift through traumatic events that tend to stain the mind...And you have written a most emotive, chillingly real walk in your thoughts.
Stress is the name of the job for almost all first responders. Learn how to lower your stress, help other first resonders lower their stress, and how to deal with people at a scene who are stressed.
-- A decision delayed even one second is not the same decision --
A fascinating guided journey through your decision making process and cause and effect that will help you to think about your decisions and how your actions or inaction impa
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The inner "I" acted first and the outer "I" performed the defense's actions.
I thank Your for sharing "Refused to be a Victim, Imagine That (for contest)".
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Outstanding write! I felt every, single, solitary word. Thanks for being brave.
Hugs to you,
Tami
Hugs,
Victoria
In Spirit,
Bear
PJ
Writing helps to sift through traumatic events that tend to stain the mind...And you have written a most emotive, chillingly real walk in your thoughts.
Thank God you got away!!!
Great picture too....My Best, Dani xx