SHADOWS
Was it love, my dear...
your words of criticism?
If so,
why do they still torment?
Like a faithful companion,
your declarations
envelope me.
Hateful and mean.
Destructive and debilitating.
Unshakable - everlasting.
No matter how I try
to shake their hold
they follow and pounce.
In sadness and gloom
I commiserate.
You’ve cast your words of love
in an ever-oppressing haze
where secretly I wallow.
For the world must never know
the true depth of your hate.
Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow.
Yolanda Renée (C) 2020
49 comments:
Ouch.
Whoever it was who said that sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me was a complete stranger to the truth.
Yes, words can really hurt. Actions too.
Mesmerising. You've made hate a shadow of love. Unlike sticks and stones words cannot break bones. Yet, words are not lame and they can do harm. They can break relationships.
Powerful!
Words wrapped within emotions and abuse cause so much harm.
This hit a nerve - sometimes you don't realise what is happening until you look back. Great writing.
This really touched me, Renee! Loved the imagery and it was perfect for the theme this month.
Words surpass the weight possessed by stones. Well done, Yolanda.
Ouch. Sometimes people forget that words are mightier than weapons.
Oh, that's so sad. Sometimes, critique coming from the people we love and trust can be debilitating.
That's really sad. ... and I'd be repeating other people's comments, so I'll stop there.
Wow! Powerful, and painfully close to a nerve. Great writing!
This is a haunting and powerful poem! It's sad how many people can relate to this. Words can cut far deeper than many realize.
I've been in that kind of relationship. This resonates with me all too well.
Naughty Netherworld Press
This was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. How these shadows of subtle abuse never leave us. Very well brought out.
Words can be sharp knives, their cuts take a longer time to heal than those inflicted by steel ones. Brilliant!
Hi,
I like this. It shows the shadow of a woman who has lost the reason to live.
Wonderfully portrayed.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
The layers within a poisonous relationship powerfully portrayed by your poem.
Thanks Yolanda. Poetry is the answer this month. Happy WEP week.
Renee, this is so powerful. I LOVE IT! Hurt can bring out the best writing, not that that's much consolation. Those last two stanzas, wow.
'For the world must never know
the true depth of your hate.
Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow.'
If this person killed your essence...reclaim it with serious intent. No one should mess with our essence, although it does cast a long shadow.
Your capture is incredible, and your words and quest does deserve high credits and an answer!
Great take on the prompt. I feel the imagery, the shadow of what should have been love, all harsh words turned into hate. Nicely done. Powerful.
Brilliant. In German, the word for slander is „Rufmord“ = character assassination, or, literally, „reputation-murder“. Here the murder is devastatingly clear. Painful to read but very well done.
Powerful! Love it.
Hi Yolanda - you've certainly captured the cruelty of abuse - and now there must be so much going on ... and I thought the way you described the way she felt, and her loss of herself as very powerful ...
"Or that you killed my essence
and left
just a shadow."
I hope many can get through this era - I know some have managed to escape in the past ... but the shadow will always be there ...
You certainly gave us uncomfortable food for thought ... control by others is not welcome - take care and all the best to you - Hilary
A story well told, yet
shadows hide deep within
What one thought was love
should have never been
The love that was destroyed
it is truly a sin
for if they break free
few will love again
So true, Sue. So true!
Exactly!
Yes, exactly. Thanks, Sanhita!
Very true, Jemi. Most of the time bullying is just that!
Thanks, Sally!
Thank you, Lee, appreciate that!
Thank you, Christopher!
Yes, they do. Thanks, Bernadette!
It sure is, especially when said over and over again!
Thanks, Jemima!
Extremely close, thank you, Donna!
Yes, it's very sad. Thanks, Laura!
I'm sorry you suffered so. Thanks, Ornery Owl!
Thank you, Sonia for your kind words!
Sometimes the don't heal, but remain open wounds that weep and destroy a life. Thanks, Nila!
Thank you, Pat, she is a very wounded creature!
Thank you, Kalpana!
Poetry should be the answer any time. Thanks, Susan!
Thank you, Denise that means a lot. Some wounds refuse to heal, especially when the person keeps rubbing those wounds raw!
Thank you, Toi, that means a lot!
Thank you, that's interesting information!
Thank you, Jamie!
Thank you, Hilary, appreciate your words and understanding!
Thank you, your words always amaze!
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