Quote of The Day

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Why you don't say a word

   Paint Party Friday
Show Your Face Friday 

Connolly original acrylic

As a lover of good documentaries I probably don't watch enough of them.
However after watching, "The war at Home" on Cbc last month I was
inspired to write this poem in  response! When things 
are a bit too raw I tend to distance myself to gain more perspective
and edit properly. If you have difficulty understanding domestic 
abuse and why women don't leave promptly this might be a
documentary for you to explore! Not sure if it can be seen outside of 
Canada. I've added Connolly the cat and Peck the bird to take
the edge off this dark subject!   

Marney original
Why you don't say a Word

"Just leave," they all say,  not possible indeed
held hostage by threats they daily feed
to harm children, or animals, ones that you love
sustaining control, they dangle it  above
I understand, why you don't say a word
terrified your words will go unheard
authorities eyes blank at the sound of your voice
prejudged,  you say nothing, completely by choice
 Victim once, a victim twice  
needing protection, needing advice
No one can help on those nights all alone
  noises in darkness, vulnerable on your own
You could call and be wrong, you set the alarm
terrified  that truck  might be here to do harm
Shoes by your bedside, under the pillow slip the keys
the cell phone, a hammer, you never sleep with ease
Some friends understand, the ignorant  ask why
you stare in disbelief that they can't hear your cry 
  screams lodged inside, hidden from the  world
protecting your children while the fear is unfurled
 I understand why you don't say a word
when you faced the courts, it went unheard
it angered the monster, fueled up the fire
the fear just doubled, so did his ire
 
When or if  you find a modicum of  peace
the sedated anger is never  sure to cease
It can smolder like fire, or fester like a boil
become toxic and dangerous causing turmoil
This is the person you once loved with your soul
you could never predict how it could take such a toll
Surviving abuse you'll not go unscathed 
The fear lays dormant, never goes unfazed  
Peck original acrylic
So I understand why you don't say a word
because women have died not being heard
Your children aren't safe, nor family and friends
it's the daily dilemma that  never makes amends!

or that never really ends!
Most of us have known someone affected by  domestic abuse!
Have you ever had to support a woman through an
toxic  domestic situation?

34 comments:

Christine said...

I think everyone at least knows of someone who has gone through domestic abuse, it is more common than we realize, I think.

I like your art today.

Valerie-Jael said...

Great words and pictures on an important theme, Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

Lynn Cohen said...

I have the honor of being counselor to women (and sometimes men) who are victims of abuse! I know too well of what you speak. There are no easy answers, no one solution fits all! A frightening life, and yes, many who get out get killed! Many who get away are able to heal and form healthy relationships later on! I've seen it all! Counseling helps!


Your art brightens an otherwise depressing story, thanks for your poem!

POINTYPIX said...

very powerful words. I do have a friend who went through something but seemed almost addicted to the passion of making up with an incredibly controlling and abusive man. Words fell on deaf ears until she eventually woke up herself and did eventually end things but it took a long time and plenty of threats of him killing himself so she'd go back to him before she finally broke free.

On a lighter note, I love the cute animals in your post today!

Unknown said...

It takes a courage and strength to say no, very often it takes time. But it is so worth to do it, to start again, to heal...Thank you for sharing very important thoughts....Big hugs to you!

http://agagasiniak.blogspot.co.uk

Granny Annie said...

I helped my friend Susan after her ex-husband attacked her with a hammer and then slammed her head in the car door over and over until help arrived. This was even with a restraining order out on him after several attacks in the previous years. It is a heartbreaking situation with no voice but you gave it one today.

EAGHL
http://trigra.blogspot.com

Linda Kunsman said...

Such a powerful and truthful poem! I'm glad for the vibrant colors of Connolly and Peck here. I have had to deal somewhat with someone very close to me in a tough situation, and as a child I endured seeing and hearing abuse at a friend's home. Of course, I was too young to say or do anything except comfort my friend and take her to my house as much as I could. I don't know what ever happened to that family.

Unknown said...

A frightening and very disturbing theme with such lovely and inspiring creations. Very important and wonderful story. Thank you for the brightness!
Hugs,
Michelle ♥ #25 this week at PPF

kat said...

Oh this is tough and so sad, I haven't helped or known anyone in such a bad way but know there are so many out there suffering this daily, how awful! Your words and art make for a great post full of the sad reality and truth of such situations!

Faye said...

A very sad and frightening subject, to be sure. I have never been in any but a loving home but I can see where there are many times it would be so scary to walk away, especially if you had children to support. Always love your wonderful illustrations, Sherrie.

Gillena Cox said...

luv the little bird best

Happy PPF

much love...

AM Zafaran said...

A very important theme surely, when love and relationship disintegrates to stinking mess but still options are so few and escape seems so difficult...your thought provoking words and colorful art are a great combination to get powerful messages across.

Beth Niquette said...

Not having a voice is an awful thing. I've known what that is like. Beautiful drawings, my Friend. ((Hugs))

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

A very important theme, I guess we all now someone who has been in that situation. It's an awful place to be in. Thank you for your lovely art, love the bird.

Anonymous said...

bright sketches to contrast with the important theme

Studio Kaufmann said...

You draw attention to a very important issue. I have not personally had a friend this has happened to although I did have a neighbor who was abused by a man she was living with. It was pretty awful.
Lovely drawings xx

sheila 77 said...

A difficult subject today, Giggles, and one you have tackled well.
I'm only thankful that I don't have this problem, although I hope I've been supportive to friends who have suffered mental abuse.
Thanks for the colourful paintings to lighten our way through your heartfelt post.

Anonymous said...

such an amazing way to get the message out there,, this should be used publicly,, such an inspiration,

Paper rainbow said...

So much power in your poem and such a heart breaking subject. I've never suffered or my friends but I certainly feel for any woman who finds herself in such a desperate situation.

Renee Dowling said...

Powerful poem. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to live like that every day. Your illustrations are always relevant to your reflections and are interesting!

My name is Erika. said...

I love your poem. It is a scary world when people need to be prepared to flee and hide. I have been lucky, no one I have lived with has scared me that much, but I know you have mentioned you were not in a good place at one point and I image this poem comes from your heart. Sometimes your art is so fun that it seems in such contrast to things you write, like today's poem. have a wonderful weekend. Hugs-Erika

Carol said...

It's a very tough subject and you've covered well. I used to work in a Women's Shelter and I've seen and heard it all. Thanks for sharing.

sirkkis said...

Yes, it happens too many times among family life.
Your paintings are fabulous.
Happy weekend ❤

Ayala Art said...

Very nice poem, of a horrible reality for many. :o(

Ariel said...

A very important issue...There may be different reasons for not seeking help, not walking away at the right time
Thank you for sharing your art and poem Sherrie
Hugs
Susan

Laney said...

Great poem and nice artwork.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

As parents of two girls, my wife and I always encouraged my daughters to be strong. We also made sure they knew that college wasn't a choice, it was a necessity. We wanted them to be independent women. In addition, they've always known that we are here to support them, no matter what mistakes they make. We also pray that they will never end in an abusive relationship. May God continue to look over them. Blessings to you for helping make others aware of this terrible problem through out the world.

Anonymous said...

Today I don't have power to comment on your text, been working with abused women, children and families in the past.

Strengthening colors in your art.

Julie Lee said...

What a serious and complex problem this is! Your poem is such an interesting response. We have to keep educating women to be strong and to have good self esteem and educating our sons to respect the women in their lives. As always your art work within this thought-provoking piece is vivid and witty. :) xx

Indira said...

Powerfully said on a serious issue, one that is real to all of us, one way or the other.

Mona Pendleton said...

Fantastic artwork! So fun and colorful!

Lisabella Russo said...

What a difficult issue. I am grateful that it isn't something I've personally known people going through... Your birdie is lovely.

Nordljus said...

A beautiful, powerful poem. I have seen similar documentaries and the stories are heart breaking, I can't imagine what I would do in such a situation, but I understand that it's not as simple as "just leaving". I am thankful that I have never experienced domestic abuse, or known anyone who has among my friends and family.
Beautiful art work!

Neesie said...

A powerful poem and such a heart breaking subject. Brilliant words.
I've always been in a loving home and am thankful for that. I once suspected a lady in an art group was being abused, due to periodic bruises and black eyes. She would always make excuses until the day she was in a car (with her husband) and the passenger door mysteriously flew open and she was flung out! I think from that day on she had to address her fears. I often think about how she got on. It was many years ago now. I hope she's found happiness.
Great bright and cheerful artwork.
xoxo

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