Poetry written in the aftermath of assault and in the stages of healing. This book is a vivid picture of the suffering of those facing violent crime.
Created by a survivor of Sexual and Domestic Violence during the course of the abuse and her recovery, this book illustrates the deep pain, sadness, and shame encountered by victims of violent crime. Over the course of more than fifteen years the author begins the process of healing and learns to overcome some of the deepest obstacles faced by those who suffer these crimes.
This is a book of poetry and prose filled with saddness and success.
Excerpt
Empty Shell
You see in me only what you want to see.
I’m not here, not inside.
You see me screaming, trying to flee
You watch me try to hide.
Gone, floating far away and safe I am
Into a place that I know well.
My refuge, my hope, my saving place
And you hold an empty shell.
Throughout my life, so many times I’ve hid
Seeking only to be free.
You hold on, you pull me back into the pain
Where I cannot stand to be.
And so I created this place for myself.
Alone, hiding in my pain.
You act as though you possess my soul
All that’s mine now yours to gain.
My refuge calls, I need to hide
You hold an empty shell.
Through the pain, and though I’ve cried
You hold an empty shell.
5-19-06
In Need Of A Hero
The darkness comes, night falls again.
I’m here alone, without a friend.
The nightmares follow, close in on me
The dark is full and I can’t see.
In need of a hero I search the night
Frightened and worried, but knowing I’ll fight.
The fear burrows deep beneath my skin
Hiding the hopes that I hold within.
I want to get out, so far away
But my pain holds me, making me stay.
In need of a hero I scream as I fight
Holding a candle; my only light.
The candle of willpower to pull me through
Hiding my purity away from you.
Giving all nightmares a light in the dark
And screaming defiance; hoping they’ll hark.
In need of a hero I sometimes can’t see
The best hero I have in the world is me!
