Impermanence
they loved each other once
now he’s distant, controlling
what did she do wrong?
he takes her car keys,
her clothes, her phone, he yells
she’s a caged dog
no money, no job
no place to go – she’s a captive
he says she’s insane
violence escalates
stripped of her identity
she’s unraveling
battered woman
fingerprints on her neck
her survival badge
his power destroyed
she lives softly in balance
and harmony and peace
Patricia Nolan is a member of Poetry West in Colorado Springs and the Haiku Society of America. She paints sumi-e (Japanese ink painting), also works in oil, pastel, and acrylic and writes poems in several Asian forms, as well as other poetry, essays, and outdoor articles. Western rivers, mountains, and trails provide most of her inspiration.
Wow, powerful work, really paints the story well. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peggy. I work at a battered women's shelter, leading art and writing groups with the women. Both are important pathways to healing. This work also inspires my own writing and art. It's good to increase awareness of DV, but it's also very rewarding to share the women's innate strength while working through trauma.
ReplyDeleteI can feel what an abused woman has to go through; luckily some find the courage to move out and on, regaining peace of mind and looking to the future with hope. Very expressive words! // paul
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia. Thank you for your poem, "Impermanence." Thank you for writing about the horrors of abuse, especially abused women. I admire your courage as well as your creativity. Continued blessings!
ReplyDelete-MJ (ww.tgbtgpublictions.com)
Excellent! Truth spoken!!! My daughter has experienced the same. Thank you for sharing your talent.
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Wow--a journey with a successful end--powerfully described. Thank you.
ReplyDelete