Submitted to Poets & Storytellers United, and to dVerse April 25, 2021 This is not autobiographical, but honors a survivor I know and admire.
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THE SURVIVOR
She left in disarray, thoughts scattered
with only vestiges of broken dreams
betrayed, abused, emotions tattered
she’d lost herself, a victim of his schemes
escape and freedom all that mattered
she fled with faith alone, or so it seems.
she vowed to find a safe and better place
where she'd find peace and healing
regaining strength and renewing grace.
slowly they returned, the things she treasured
things she scarcely realized she’d lost
confidence, identity, resolve unmeasured
she came to know how great had been the cost
when she had lived only to see him pleasured
and he, in turn, had cruelly double-crossed.
she put in the past the deceit and degradation
and faced her future, filled with celebration.
Oh... we as humans can do terrible things to each other, but the level of control some men feel they have to have of their wives is among the worst. To get out is a victory.
ReplyDeleteWhat we do foolishly for what we think is love. Well written Bev.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Filled with celebration in the end!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing tribute to your friend.
ReplyDeleteI listened to a radio play yesterday that was about a similar scenario. Why do we let ourselves be taken in and destroyed? I have been there in the past and survived, and it took me a long time to trust a man again.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is this turn around from betrayal and abuse to celebration and confidence.
ReplyDeleteYes Bev, well rendered, especially on behalf of someone you know and care for. However low we are, however we have been mistreated - redemption is always possible, as long as our heart is still both feeling and beating! That is the essence of the human spirit for me.
ReplyDeleteshe put in the past the deceit and degradation
ReplyDeleteand faced her future, filled with celebration
It is the right way to just forget the past and face the future not having any feelings of disappointments or regret.
Hank
The two contrasting stanzas bring hope from the darkness. Thank goodness some have the strength and support to move forward. Sadly, some do not.
ReplyDeleteMay I just add .... I am woman, hear me ROAR!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness she got away before she was totally shredded, as happens all too frequently. Great Tale, well told, Beverly!
ReplyDeleteWonderful sensitive telling of being lost and then found. I'm glad she survived and I'm glad she persisted to get back.
ReplyDeleteWonderful storytelling of overcoming so much pain and loss. Beautiful flow of words.
ReplyDeleteOh I was celebrating with your heroine as I read this! It takes real strength to go through such an ordeal and come out the other side...
ReplyDeleteI know survivors, and though this pays tribute to the one you know, it fits those I know too making this a wonderful tribute to all survivors. I love the celebration at the end, so fitting as redemption/hope/new future.
ReplyDelete