Homework 26.11.12

[Irene]

I have been doing some casual work at a refuge for women and children from domestic violence, as well as training to work on a crisis line. This fortnights' prompts steered me very clearly in this direction!!
It is still in draft form - probably will change the name, and possibly the ending - which refers to refuge/outreach support workers.

Domestic Violence
© Irene Conner
19.11.12

My vision's blurred,
No sound is heard,
My heart is palpitating.
I'm filled with fear;
Is my end near?
Why am I hesitating?

I wander back
Along the track
To childhoods carefree days.
I never dreamt
What hatred meant;
how love, with pain betrays.

I hide in there -
I cannot care
About the truth I'm living.
When anger's done
The battle's won;
I'm meant to be forgiving.

Too much abuse
Is my excuse
To hang my head and hide.
Too big a task
For me to ask
"Who am I - deep inside?"

Harsh words erode
And fists explode
A fragile self-esteem.
"Why am I here?"
No longer clear -
He's shattered ev'ry dream.

But I'll rebel!
I've been to hell
And back for many years.
I've had enough!
I must get tough
If I'm to dry my tears.

No more he'll drag
This punching bag
At angers’ beck and call.
Support I've found;
they'll be around
To catch me when I fall.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Good one Irene - never an easy subject to address but you have handled it well - taking that first step is always so hard for some of these women. Sure the support you are giving is greatly appreciated

Cheers

Maureen

[Neville Briggs]

Applause..Irene.

[Bob Pacey]

Very nice Irene sharp and to the point, I like the set out as well adds to the impact,

Bob

[Terry]

Hi irene

It's always interesting to see the different ways you can go about writing a poem.

As Marty said this is timely and a reminder of how some women suffer - sometimes for years.

Well done Irene, with your work at the moment I guess you will often come face to face so to speak with this sort of thing.

Terry

[Wendy Seddon]

Hi Irene,
I come across this a lot in my work with Kairos Outside (look it up folks)
I don't know how some women can keep going.
They are much stronger than I.