The dreaded belt with the big metal buckle
Flying from the back of the bathroom door.
The trudges to cut switches from bushes.
Not green enough, going back to cut
Another. Green doesn't break as she
Whips.
The out-of-the-blue rages,
The senseless shouts.
Having to wear long sleeves and long socks.
Being beaten for rolling them. Being called
Stupid and Stubborn and Nothing but
Trouble. "Wish you had never been born!"
The never knowing
And knowing that thinking about telling can get you
Skinned Alive. One word to the doctor, be the closet.
Keep your trap shut when so-and-so is here. No
Moping. No whining. Do not get dirty. Stand up
Straight. What did you say? Bend over. . .it is over.
It is really over.
No more Belt. No more Switch. No more of Their
Knockdown-dragouts and screaming, shouting fits.
You are Out. You got Out. Sandpaper-rough bristles
Of a hairbrush will never again leave stripes on
Tender skin.
What now?
How do you make good out of bad?
You do your best
To be kind.
To be gentle.
To be thoughtful.
You love.
(c) Phyllis Jean Green
for the children
October, 2010
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Reviews of "The Healing"
Reviewed by Justice Jones (Reader)
Reviewed on March 17, 2011
Oh my...yes ma'am we must make lemonaid out of the lemons. We have all been through so much..but it is amazing that we have survived to tell the stories..we have learned to love ourselves in spite of the madness we have experienced..in spite of all the hatred and mean words, thoughts and actions that we have been exposed to and tormented by. I like your style. I clicked on your page because of your quote about having the courage to be who you are..which is one of my favorite quotes as well. Take good care of yourself Phyllis..you done good. Love and Peace--from Justice
"The Healing" Phillis. Yes it is indeed all about the healing. And your powerful last line tells that you know it is the only success story that can survive the abuse. "You Love". A dreadful scenario so many have endured and too many still endure. I am thankful you have aired this issue, "for the children". Love and peace to you my dear friend. Jon Michael
Know them words
felt that strap
which left welts on my back
never tattle tell,
thought I've done wrong
wished him death in my night prayers
I was his seed
when He died
There was nothing for me to do
But Cry......
Love & peace be with you
Oh Phyllis, such a painful subject, such a powerful poem.
A most excellent write, indeed. I've long thought the time
is overdue to screen wannabe parents before they are allowed
to bring precious souls into our world...
..."for the children"... always,
peace & blessings,
carolyn
The power of this, the charge in it, Pea!
Use of long and short lines, breaking the rhythm, making the rhythm, driving the pain home...and then, a glorious ending.
Yes!
No living being should have to live that way. It is so simple really, if you do not want your children give them up for adoption. Why scar a child for life.
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Thurman
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
felt that strap
which left welts on my back
never tattle tell,
thought I've done wrong
wished him death in my night prayers
I was his seed
when He died
There was nothing for me to do
But Cry......
Love & peace be with you
William
A most excellent write, indeed. I've long thought the time
is overdue to screen wannabe parents before they are allowed
to bring precious souls into our world...
..."for the children"... always,
peace & blessings,
carolyn
Ron
Use of long and short lines, breaking the rhythm, making the rhythm, driving the pain home...and then, a glorious ending.
Yes!
John
To be kind.
To be gentle.
To be thoughtful.
You love.
And, Phyllis, methinks that no one does it better than thee.
-gene.
Thanks for this sharing.
Barbara Henry
GOD BLESS YOU
TONY
fee
pretty darn good work.
Be always safe,
Karen