the staring space of the abused
the space stares vacantly into her eyes.
It’s time for nothing, and her pleas
have run out of lips – shedding
stillness, like parched answers
in minute flakes, upon her hands.
her hands, with a lifelessness
of their own, overcrowding
the purpose of touch patiently
callused in absence of warmth
- as they knead herself down
to flat bread.
it’s time for nothing, and her dreams
have shut the air outside.
inside, days gone and to come
smudge uniform monochrome
passages along the floor – scrubbed
of significance in her steps.
and breath is but a recurrence
- ignored, like a habit.
like a self-portrait of an intimate stranger
dropping shadows, now and then, with subtle
thuds – but kept hanging, in that soundless
yellowing of definition and of bruises, there.
where time is for nothing and space
stares vacantly into her eyes.
© 2007 Alexandra* ~ OneLight*®
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It is such a dark space where light can never seem to penetrate. Great write my friend.
What a perfectly open and honest view of the "ugly" side of the human condition. Whether by social, cultural or religious indoctrination, many individuals have come to regard themselves as "lesser beings" and thus "deserving" of being treated in a less than human way. What is it about these social, cultural and religious groups that make them feel they have the "right" to believe they are better and thus have the "right" to impose their beliefs and their very will upon other individuals? No one has the "right" to demand submissiveness from another. As you and I know, we wouldn't even think of demanding such a thing from our horses or to even think we could whip them into obedience. We earn their respect by respecting them and this has brought us more success than those who adhere to a philosophy of dominance. Common respect is a thing most lacking in our world today. The concept of "live and let live" is seen as a sign of weakness and, as we know, only the strong survive. Some believe in serving only the self rather than also serving others. Truly, the greatest joy in this life can be derived through our service to others. Humanity, as a whole, must begin to rise up against those individuals and institutions which promote the thought that one being is "superior" to another. Whether it's males versus females, muslims versus jews, the U.S. versus Iran and on and on and on. Let us discard this foolishness and embrace the concept that we all have equal value in the eyes of our Creator. Let no one believe that they are more or less "worthy" than another, especially within the framework of basic rights and basic needs. One cannot believe in such an enlightened and civilized philosophy while also believing that it is acceptable to abuse another in any way.
Sorry for rambling but this subject really infuriates me. Thank You for such a well-written piece that shines light onto the ugliness that cannot be ignored.
Beijinhos,
Teu Joseph
Be safe,
Karen
Great write as always Alexandra.
Fee
Writer extraordinaire ... I have been through several seasons in my life where I felt as if I had given up on life, my dreams, and the pursuit of them. We as humans all have different degrees of tolerance - how much the battery can put out without being recharged - to the spiritual and physical war that rages around us.
This morning the lead article on the inter-net was "What's wrong with our Children? The explosion of autism is raging now in this country. A terrible condition disturbing perceptions and relationships, and the ability to cope in the here and now. So many find comfort now escaping into a world of make-believe, rather than coping with real people in the here and now.
Your provocative and seering imagery has captured these poor unfortunates - that beat down condition that affects the soul - with heart-rending accuracy.
Keep your eyes focused on the goal, and always minister to those gifts that God has lavished upon you dear friend. Some day a great LIGHT will break through from the East.
This is a profound and timely write, I have saved it. Blessings to you ...
Light and Wisdom and Love ...
Leland
Gripping account of someone beaten.
Georg
Not your usual: this one hits hard; this one hurts; this one makes one uncomfortable, because they've known 'her;' perhaps they...are...'her.'
Amazingly penned sadness in lines such as, "pleas that have run out of lips," and "her hands, with a lifeless of their own...knead herself down to flat bread" are especially shattering, because you capture the very horror of abuse and its affects.
Soul-jarring; too many live this nightmare every waking moment; you've penned a p o w e r f u l one today, (((Alexandra))), I pray you are alright--
((((HUGS)))) and love, Karla. :( *tears*