Canvas of Abuse (poem) by John T Banasiewicz Jr on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on March 11, 2007

This is good and so sad, but true. I read an article somewhere, that children who are killed by a parent, that as a rule it wasn't deliberate. It was a disiplining that got 'out of hand.' As Ann Landers once said: To understand all, is to forgive all.

Reviewed by Sandra Mushi

Reviewed on January 29, 2006

It must have been so painful to write this, John. My heart goes out to you - but thank you so much for sharing! A heartfelt, sad write!

God bless, John!

Sandie.

Reviewed by Pier Tyler

Reviewed on May 24, 2004

You have expressed pain well here. Sorry it was expressed from abuse. I am a 50's lady living in an 04 world. So, I know about whippings from a belt, switch that you have to go and get. I hated when I was told, "wait til I get through" the agony of waiting, hoping it would slipped the mind. I think I turned out okay though. Not to make light of abuse. Visualization works, you could visualize you the adult going to rescue that little boy, picking him up and holding him and telling him, "I finally come for you. Let's go home." As a way of healing. This is a worthy read. Thanks John for sharing this with us.

Reviewed by Judith Pleasant

Reviewed on May 23, 2004

Tommy,
I am sure it took a lot of strength to write this. I am sorry for your pain. Thank God, I only got a couple of switchings,of which I believe in. I am glad with my switchings, came much love and respect.
I wish yours could have been the same.
I can't imagine, nor do I want to, what you went through.
May God heal your mind and soul.
Blessings,
Judith

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on May 22, 2004

A real and gutsy write, John. Thank you. Love and peace to you. Regis

Reviewed by Bhuwan Thapaliya

Reviewed on May 22, 2004

Powerful write!!!!

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on May 22, 2004

a sad write! very powerfully and very well expressed, tommy!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :( >tears <

Reviewed by Henry Lefevre

Reviewed on May 21, 2004

I often wonder
'Bout those days in the shed.
Did they make me a man
Or just bottom-side red.

Reviewed by Abe Rossi (Reader)

Reviewed on May 21, 2004

the scars of the flesh heal...the ones imprinted in the mind never seem to completly heal...I learned at an early age to avoid my Dad when he was drinking...which seemed to be all the time...but sometimes there was no place to hide...except whithin...pains a funny thing...only hurting on the outside for a little while...it makes the soul cry for long after...nice piece....thanx for sharing...Peace Abel

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on May 20, 2004

An excellent write on the topic John!
I didn't have it in my upbringing, but
my husband was a vicious abuser and his
beating me and our two boys unmercifully was
the main reason I left him. However, I must add
that his mental abuse was even worse. He would
do things to scare us that you wouldn't believe.
He learned from his father who abused him!it's a
vicious cycle, that we now know about through studies.
People should seek help!

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)

Reviewed on May 20, 2004

Ah, John, it was the mother in our house.

Reviewed by Nicole Davis Vergara (Reader)

Reviewed on May 19, 2004

John you have so perfectly painted this canvas of abuse that it leaves me to believe you perhaps were once a victim of such abuse, and if not then you have a emotional heart and soul of gold and understanding!!!! Powerful and touching work!

~Nikki~

Reviewed by Ann Piatt

Reviewed on May 19, 2004

John, your presentation of this write is both powerful and touching. And even after the bruises are long since gone from the body...the scars remain embedded deeply within the mind. This should never be...

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on May 19, 2004

You have penned a most powerful piece here, John, right from your heart and soul. Child abuse is such a sad topic, and yet its message must be seen and heard, if we ever hope to end it. Kudos.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on May 19, 2004

Powerful and sad the way you had it Tommy....but i wish my daddy did it he went easy on us...but boy the day he spoke to you.. it was worse than ever...instead my mom was the abuser.....geeesh she was the one who hammered me all the time...but thinking back.....she should've done it more...maybe I would've been a better person today!!

I do not believe in child abuse...no wonder mine is taking so many chance and get away with it...but a good smacks help getting them back to reality !!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Lisa Hilbers

Reviewed on May 19, 2004

John, You painted this canvas well. Not only did it leave marks on my heart but in my mind as well.
Child abuse is a tragedy within itself, one that needs to be fought like a mighty war.
Very well written! Lisa

Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

Packed with power and expressions that hurt and hinder and scare. This is so powerful I had a gentle Dad thank God.....
But many do not....

Thank you for sharing this one.....JOHN.

lady peg

Reviewed by jude forese

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

powerful poem packed with imagery that makes the reader feel the pain and suffering experienced by abuse from a father, the one who should be loving and caring ...

Reviewed by Lori Moore

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

So many wonderful images. I especially like the 2nd stanza. Nicely done.

Reviewed by Linda Hill

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

((( John )))
Bless you, my friend
I am sorry you had to endure such pain.
The black and blue marks on your body
may fade away, but the scars on your
heart will never go away. I know how
you feel. God bless.

~Linda

Reviewed by Retta (Reindeer) Mckenzie

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

Ah John, This touches something deep inside of me, I can still see my father beating my brothers so badly, funny, he never touched us girls, my mom took care of that, Excellent poem on a very painful subject.

Reindeer

Reviewed by Rose L

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

This poem will deeply touch those who have felt and survived the pain you write about in this poem. You have done a masteful job with this, your canvas. Thank you, for having the strength of character to write about such a difficult subject.

Love,

~Rose~

Reviewed by Roxanne Smolen

Reviewed on May 18, 2004

Stark and painful. I can relate.