Shaken to the Core
By Charlene McCutcheon
Her sad eyes and tear stained face evoked such ambivalent feelings,
I could barely stand to look upon the half-naked child in front of me.
She turned her face toward me with a pained look that begged for help.
Maternal feelings welled up within, for this pitiful tangled haired waif.
Gaping in abject horror, I observed the orphan's frail arms wrapped
tenaciously around a dead rat and held close to her dirt smeared body.
I sensed this sewer 'pet rat' had been her only source of comfort in life.
The one thing she turned to, when sad or hungry, would never again be.
While resisting the urge to gather her up in my arms and dry her tears,
still I desired to sympathize, whispering, "Don't cry honey, it'll be OK".
I lied, knowing it wouldn't; besides what could I do with so little to give?
I turned and walked away not wanting to face my growing sense of lack.
I awoke with a start, shuddering, deeply disturbed and troubled to tears.
Sometimes the vivid images, like a horror movie returning to haunt me,
make me question, "Who is that wretched child so forlorn and dejected?
The memories shake my very soul, the hidden message still eluding me.
_______________
From the editor--It is an honor to announce that Charlene McCutcheon is September’s Poet of the Month. She is a talented writer that has been published in print and online. Readers at Whispers relate to her heartfelt poetry. Charlene is a light at our online journal, regularly leaving thoughtful comments which others appreciate. I recently received an email relating that the person was deeply moved by the thoughts Charlene shared about her poem. This is a gift that makes a difference. It is a pleasure to present Charlene with this honor!
_______________
Thoughts on “Shaken to the Core”--Right from the onset, Charlene grabbed my attention with vivid imagery. The scene is stark and very moving. Who wouldn’t be shaken by seeing a child hugging a dead rat? The greater question is would you walk away? That thought is haunting, and I’m guessing one that most of us hope we wouldn’t have to face. Charlene surprised me a bit in the fourth stanza, finding out that this was really a dream. That the memory still shakes the narrator gives one hope for humanity. Does this challenge you to make a difference in your own piece of the world? I hope so.
_______________
Congratulations and thank you Charlene! I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.
Sincerely,
Karen O’Leary, Editor
Charlene, what a beautiful poem
ReplyDeleteThat reaches deep into ones soul.
Congratsulations ! Mary
Thank you so much Mary for your kind words. I am so honored to have been chosen as poet of the month. Whispers has been such a blessing in my life.
DeleteCharlene, your poem says so much leaving one with the impression the child is you and haunting memories and I shudder to think it may have been you or any real person. You tell a wonderful story in your writings and I am very impressed with your ability to "transfer into the shoes of another, living breathing soul"......... that alone is impressive, Charlene! Also, a huge CONGRATS! on the beautiful recognition Karen has given you in the name of Whispers! It is indeed a beautiful honor and a very much well-deserved one! Sheri / www.poetryandbeyond.net
ReplyDeleteSheri, Thank you so much for your kind evaluation of my poem. Without Karen's and all of the members of this community's encouragement I am sure I would not be writing poetry today with a determined effort. I have always loved writing but never took the time like I should have until Whispers. I have found it to be such a blessing in more ways than one being a member of Whispers and among such talented poets. To be named poet of the month is such an honor to me and I still have to 'blink my eyes'.
DeleteLove, Charlene
What a talented story teller you are ! You must have Celtic muses :-) Look froward to reading more. Big congrats,
ReplyDeleteMolly
Dear Molly, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I do appreciate your input and the 'congrats'. I feel so blessed to be a member of this community of caring and loving individuals.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Exceptional poetic tale... loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Terry for your kind comment. I very much appreciate approval from you who are exceptionally talented.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Thank you, Isha Wagner, for the following--
ReplyDeleteThis verse, to me, displays the strange workings of the unconscious mind. This could be an image from childhood stories that were unforgettable, perhaps we were comfortable and cosy in our parents' arms and then this unhappy story maybe from a book, radio or television, releasing all our maternal longings and fears or even, possibly, a glimpse of a future happening in a catastrophic world; whatever, it is beautifully expressed and I think every reader will feel the shudder of horror at this child's plight.
Thank you, Charlene. May all be well with you.
Yours sincerely
Isha Wagner
Dear Isha, Thank you so much for your insightful comments. Indeed dreams are the workings of the subconscious mind and working that one out has been and is a work in progress. I figured out the child is me and the dead rat, "dead works"; turning to the things of this world for comfort when God is and should be my only refuge. Thank you again for your kind comments. I myself am looking forward to more of your amazing poems.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Thank you, Helen Dowd, for the following--
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Charlene’s poem. Dream or no dream, the truth hit the spot...Caring is the best “attribute” a person can have. "Shaken to the Core" was a joy to read.
Blessings, Helen
Dear Helen, thank you so much for your kind and insightful thoughts. Caring is definitely the best attribute.
DeleteLove, Charlene
I loved your lines and your story Charlene! And my congratulations being poet of the month!
ReplyDeleteGert
Thank you so much Gert for your kind words and congratulations on being poet of the month. I feel so honored.
DeleteSincerely, Charlene
Hi Charlene, Stirring, thought provoking poem! Congratulations on being selected poet of the month. My best wishes...Chris~
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Chris for your kind comments. I really appreciate your taking the time to read and comment on the poem and congratulate me for being selected as poet of the month, still hard for me to believe.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Thank you, Arthur Ford, for the following--
ReplyDeleteCharlene,
Great poem!!
I experienced real life incidents of this nature while
visiting the country of India for 30 days.
Dreams, at times, remind mankind of our real life shortcomings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your diction creates a tearjerking effect that is therapeutically healthy.
Thanks for that poem!!!
Yours in Words,
arthur c. ford,sr.,poet/editor
Dear Arthur, thank you so much for your very kind and insightful comments. Truly the dream DID confront me with my shortcomings but with God's help I will overcome.
DeleteSincerely, Charlene
Dear Charlene,
ReplyDeleteYour poem moved me so much. In fact, it brought back the feeling I had got when I first read Dickens's 'Oliver Twist'. Thanks for the brilliant poem, and congratulations on being the Poet of the Month.
Love,
Shivapriya
Shivapriya, thank you equally, for your evaluation, kind remarks and congratulations. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to read and comment on my poem. What a blessing you are and I am looking forward to reading more of your wonderful poems too.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Loved the poignancy of your poem. You certainly deserve your recognition.
ReplyDeleteunresolved dreams
tearing at our souls
thresholds of insight
Ronald, I loved your 'spin off' poem and you are so right in your estimation of unresolved dreams. Thank you for taking the time to read the poem and your comments. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteCharlene
This stands as the greatest ghost story I have ever read... not the whimsical ghosts we dwell on in late October, but those who walk a ghost road, in, around and among us, who we never really see for who and what they are, those we would help in a heartbeat, who are often only a heartbeat away, unbeknownst to us.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this month's recognition, Charlene. It is well deserved. Not only are you a fantastic writer, you are a really nice person, and that matters.
Well Michael, what encouraging words you write. I most certainly do appreciate your input and feel doubly honored by your words. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. Indeed the dream was a ghost story for me.
ReplyDeleteCharlene
This is probable the most powerful poem I've read here at Whispers. Very nice job, Charlene. The imagery is thought-provoking, which is what I like literature to do to me....make me think. Awesome. Congratulation on being named the Poet of the Month here at Whispers. You certainly deserve it. Continued blessings!
ReplyDelete-MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)
Maurice, Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I really appreciate your input and kind words. They mean a lot to me. God bless you in your ministry.
DeleteCharlene
Congratulations Charlene on being chosen as poet of the month. I notice that you are one regular contributor with thoughtful comments, being also one of the first to comment on my introductory poem on Whispers. This poem is the working of subconscious thoughts that mirror the writer's feelings and a wish to see a better world for those in need. Well done, Charlene! // paul
ReplyDeleteDear Paul, thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful analysis of my poem. Indeed I do wish for a better world and I just happen to know it begins with me. So glad you have joined us here on Whispers and surely you are one also wishing to see a better world for those in need.
DeleteCharlene
Thank you, Robert Hinshaw, for the following--
ReplyDelete"Congratulations upon your selection as Poet of the Month, a well-deserved honor! I also enjoyed your very touching poem, "Shaken To The Core". I also enjoyed and thank you for your kind comments re "Surprise! Surprise". Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - Bob Hinshaw
Dear Robert, Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I really appreciate you kind remarks.
DeleteCharlene
Wow this is wonderful, a worthy winner congrats. Best wishes. Pete.
ReplyDeletePete, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I do appreciate you kind remarks.
DeleteCharlene
Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following--
ReplyDeleteCharlene - big congrats on your honour, my friend. What a moving write (and dream)
Thank you Jack for taking the time to read and leave a kind comment. I appreciate it very much.
DeleteCharlene
Charlene you are indeed a gifted writer, your poetry is an art that touches the heart and soul of the reader. Heartfelt and beautifully composed. Always a pleasure to read your work. Congratulations on being chosen Poet of the month, very well deserved. Blessings sent with love, Leokadia
ReplyDeleteLeokadia, bless your heart, thank you for your kind and touching words that have done my heart and soul good. I so much appreciate your taking the time to read and comment on my poems. Blessings to you too my dear.
ReplyDeleteLove Charlene
Your work is always very moving to me. Congratulations on being chosen 'Poet of the Month' Charlene - you are so deserving of this honor...
ReplyDeleteRhoda Galgiani
Expressions Poetry Journal
chesakat1.blogspot.com
Dearest Rhoda, Thank you so very much for your kind comments. You have always blessed my life with caring communications and for that I am grateful.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Congratulations Charlene:
DeletePoet of the Month at Whispers is no small achievement.
I found your poem thought provoking and even a little disturbed by the feelings your imagery evoked. You must have tapped into the terrible turmoil that is happening to poor innocent children world-wide,
I was left feeling as helpless as I do daily when I read of their plight.
Sincere good wishes;
Suz
Suz, I thought I had posted a reply to your comment, but I guess it didn't "take". LOL At any rate, thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I much prefer happy endings myself and this dream poem does not have one as of yet, I am aware, but having understood the meaning as touching my own life, I feel a very happy ending coming soon. God love you my dear for your caring feelings.
DeleteLove, Charlene
Dear Charlene,
ReplyDeleteI would like to extend my belated congratulations to you. You are very deserving of this honor and I am happy for you! Your poem although a dream was a very moving write as some children are sadly left abandoned like this with nothing to fend for themselves. Maybe your desire to help those in need is why you had this dream. An excellent poem!
Love Sandra