artwork by Jack Vettriano
photograph courtesy Tess Kinkaid, Magpie Tales
No more the terrible fear when
The door closed
No more the drunken
Footstep on the stair
The door is closed
No more the angry clenched fist
Across her face
No more the breaking
Of a bleeding heart
The door is closed
No more tears to be cried
As fire rages
No more broken bones
Ashes to ashes
Behind the closed door
No more dark glasses to hide
The purple welts
No more dark lies
Bare arms show
That door has closed
Barbara M Lake ©
Trinidad WI
July 2012
Very sad and mysterious.
ReplyDeleteSad, yes.
DeleteLoved this piece! Very sensitive and poignant. Beautiful take on the prompt!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteWell done lady!
ReplyDeleterel
Much appreciated
DeleteOverwhelming ... far too many women live in fear, in pain, abused. Closing the door ~ healthy and life affirming for women who have the strength.
ReplyDeleteYes they do and thank God I can only write from imagination.
DeleteExcellent story, and hopefully for her and others like her the door will stayed closed.
ReplyDeleteYes I hope so too when those who cannot find the courage to leave, eventually do.
Deletegorgeous! you had me at "bare arms." & i read along intrigued and terribly interested... this is such a beautiful and powerful poem.
ReplyDelete(thank you so much for your messages you left:)!)
all I could think of was bare arms when I saw the picture and wanted somehow to relate how they could now be uncovered - no more bruises.
DeleteYou're very welcome.
I hope the door was slammed shut!
ReplyDeleteIt slammed shut forever when he went up in flames in the crematorium! Ashes to ashes.
DeleteSo it's finished! No more reason to share and no more sufferings. It can come to this when feelings fade. Nice write Bee!
ReplyDeleteHank
it is finished. Thank you Hank.
DeleteSo poignant and strong. My first hubby was a bit of a git - so I can relate to this. Door well and truly slammed 26 years ago!
ReplyDeleteThank God that door is well and trully shut. No one should put up with that.
DeleteA powerful write Bee.....I know many like Helena can relate to these strong words.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie. She cut a sad figure but I wanted more from her. Yes they can but should never have to.
DeletePowerful...it's a brave woman to close the door...
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed. But many do without the abusers having to die first.
DeleteYour Mags sometimes bring out my darkest side!!!
Thank you Jane.
ReplyDeleteI love the finality of that last line. That door has closed.
ReplyDeleteAnd not a moment too soon!