Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Custody~~Dark Poetry for the Cruelest Month 2016




She told it again, that story that never got easier, the broken light, the dark front porch, the hands that came from nowhere to pull her into hiding behind the azaleas ripe with blossom.
She stood in front of a robed man defending her mother right, the right they had forced upon her after that act of desecration and degradation. She had carried that seed of violence in her womb, succeeding in channeling rage and fear into love and protection.
Then, came the entreaties emanating from the voice that spoke on that darkest night. When she left the pleas unanswered, subtle threats took their place. She began to sleep with the lights on, babe at breast, double locks on the door. Terror began to govern all her moments, souring her milk, causing health to falter.
When enough had become too much, she packed their things and ran. Always with one eye open, never stopping for long in one place, the jagged pangs of hunger always with them, the red haze of hate surrounding her.
She was found, of course, she of small resources. Now she stood pleading, defending actions she had known she had to take to keep her precious child away from the evil that would take him away every other weekend and alternating holidays.

Twice violated.
Men in robes sitting on Law,
Blinded by gender.



The great painting that inspired this haibun is by the very talented Shelle Kennedy. Here is her blog:

Find out about this days poetry challenge and read more from other contributors here:

25 comments:

  1. This is piercing Sharon! "the seed of violence in her womb" I tried to turn this phrase around a few times to soften the effect but in vain. It's sharp and well-executed.

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    1. Thank you for the compliment, Khaya! This looming situation has been on my mind much of late, knowing that this could be the true fate of women should certain men have their way. Thank you for commenting!

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  2. Oh this is so deep, potent, and powerful.

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  3. You make us feel what it's like to be powerless and alone, and yet the only defense your child has--very chilling and real, and the closing lines are sadly all too true, too many times.

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    1. My big fear is that will get worse unless we stand up and fight for the rights we have already won. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!

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  4. Holy hells, this is chilling. Really powerfully written!

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    1. Thank you, Rommy! Unfortunately, we are already seeing some of this happen in some states. That is the truly chilling thing!

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  5. Chilling and all too truthful for so many. Powerful indeed!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Jessica! It means a lot!

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  6. This produced all kinds of chills, Sharon. Both the prose and haiku say so much. I can feel the mother's and child's fear, the injustice...

    So powerful!

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    1. It seems like we are going backwards, sometimes. Thank you for the compliments. I really appreciate your coming by!

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  7. Chilled to the bone..!! Powerfully expressed.

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  8. This is so powerful a piece and it truly tells a story that so many don't see. The flip side of the coin. An injustice all the way around. If she cannot plead her case and convince the robed men of her justified fears she will never find peace reliving this nightmare everyday.

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    1. Yes! Having to share your child with the rapist just because it was his seed is horrendous. She has to fear for the child and repeat rapes of herself. Thanks for your comments!

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  9. This is so powerful a piece and it truly tells a story that so many don't see. The flip side of the coin. An injustice all the way around. If she cannot plead her case and convince the robed men of her justified fears she will never find peace reliving this nightmare everyday.

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  10. WOW!!! This is incredible, this story so knits itself to the prompt, it speaks of strength and vulnerability, it made me want to cradle this madonna searching for a safe place... fantastic, really, moving and insightful x

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    1. Thank YOU, Shelle! You provided such a strong, thought provoking piece of art! I love the partnership that you and Magaly have formed. There is such synergy there! Thanks a million for your comments!

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  11. Whew. This is just a powerful, poignant, strong piece. Well done.

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    1. Thank so very much for the great comment, De! I appreciate your stopping by!

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  12. WOW!! Powerful and chilling to the bone! Very moving!!!

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    1. Thanks! I wish it was not what women are facing with certain laws is some states.

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  13. Wow! Running from both men in robes that want to destroy her life in the best way they know. Scary because it is so true. Your words are so powerful! And there is no justice for her. Your writing is amazing.

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