"Even a prostitute wouldn't put herself in an abusive relationship,"
you said.
"I got jealous when I saw your younger cousin take up driving lessons.
How come she does it,
but you don't?"
you said.
"That outfit you are wearing is far too revealing.
Don't be surprised if you get sexually harassed,"
you said.
"I shouldn't have helped you follow your dreams.
It's my fault you turned out this way,"
you said.
"It's been weeks since your dad died.
Why are you still crying?"
you said.
"Those girls don't want to be friends with you anymore?
What did you do?"
you said.
"Your stretch marks look like zebra marks,"
you say.
"I saw someone at the mall with red hair,
and I remembered you have red hair...
that's funny!
You should probably dye it a different color,"
you said.
"You don't want to go see a doctor?
I just think you need to see a specialist,
you know...
for your anger problems,"
you said.
"You need to do something with your life.
Look where you got yourself trying to make your own choices,"
you said.
By the time you finally have something nice to say,
I won't be there to hear it.
-
Author:
The Indignant Poetess (
Offline) - Published: April 15th, 2025 22:05
- Comment from author about the poem: “Imagine the years of abuse someone has to go through in order to voluntarily orphan themselves.” To the one person who saw the abuse for what it is and stood up for me all these years, thank you so much.
- Category: family
- Views: 5
- Users favorite of this poem: Poetic Licence
Offline)
Comments2
Sadly for many people this is an ongoing daily ritual going on behind closed doors, I might be wrong but it sounds like you made it out, and this write would give some hope to those who read it, nicely expressed and written
Abuse is commonplace in Middle Eastern households but we are taught to look past it especially if it isnt physical. I used to try and seek help for my experiences growing up and I would constantly get brushed off with statements like “shes your mother, she does her best” and “at least your mother lets you do a lot more than my mom does.” I was taught to lick every tiny crumb of freedom she gave me in gratitude, even though it was always in exchange for my self respect.
It got a lot worse when I became an adult. None of the choices I made pleased her; no matter what it was (who I dated, what diet I ate, what I wore, what color I dyed my hair, where I chose to live) it was always met with harsh judgment from her because it wasnt exactly what she expected of me. I have had to cut her off for years even though I did not want to but it was a last resort. Having a relationship with her damages my mental health. I was in a vulnerable spot a while ago and I was encouraged to ask my mom for help and I have been paying the price for that grave mistake since, but luckily someone in my life understands the abuse she has put me through and is going to support me as I walk away from her again.
I did not mean to type such a long comment but this topic is personal to me. Thank you for your kind words.
It is good that you are writing about and the replies can be as long as you want, it is something that happens all over the world behind closed doors, clearly there are some societies that it is more entrenched than others, but there are zero excuses that will ever justify it to me, I wish you all the best on your next brave journey, take care
A powerful poem with a strong message said in the first person strengthening it further. Nicely written
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