ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

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.

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

Applause..Irene.

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

Bob

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

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.