Impasse


from the ABC set Silver Spun Sand Poems

Last month – a broken jaw;
this week – a dislocated elbow.
You know you need help
but who to turn to? It’s not
your fault, but they’d never
believe you. You neglect her
she says. Don’t let her know
you love her enough; that’s when
something snaps...Kid yourself
it won’t happen again,
until it does.

So you tell her you’ll leave –
she can have the TV – the car...
small price to pay for some kind
of self-respect; yet, she won’t
hear of that and you’re shit-scared
of what she’d do if you did. But
every man has his limits; so how long
can you go on turning the other cheek?
Only there’s nowhere to run...
on a dead-end street.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum


Comments

insertponceyfre... | September 6, 2010 - 18:41

was this inspired by a newspaper article today Tina? i think I might have read the same one

Silver Spun Sand | September 6, 2010 - 18:46

Yes it indeed was, insert. There was also a guy on BBC Breakfast news this morning whose story I found quite moving...Hence, this poem.

Thanks for noticing;-)

Tina

Highhat | September 7, 2010 - 08:10

I think you captured the essence of some sort of abuse. Am I right ? Very well done ;)
pia

Silver Spun Sand | September 7, 2010 - 08:35

Yes, you are indeed right, pia.

We are all familiar with the unfortunate plight of many women who suffer physical abuse at the hands of their male partners, but little publicity is given to men who suffer the like from their female partners.

The man I refer to, highlighted by the media yesterday, was a case in point. After months of unspeakable violence against him by his partner a neighbour alerted the police and the woman responsible is serving 7 years for grievous bodily harm. Prior to this, he was given refuge by the Salvation Army, as their are very few 'safe-houses' for men.

Thank you for reading and for your interest;-)

Tina

Highhat | September 7, 2010 - 08:41

I'm glad you treated the topic with sencerity! Thanks for explaining.
;)pia

Silver Spun Sand | September 7, 2010 - 10:11

You are more than welcome, pia;-)

Highhat | September 7, 2010 - 12:01

sincerity ;)

MistakenMagic | September 7, 2010 - 20:54

I love the rhythm and use of rhyme and half-rhyme in this one, Tina. The whole poem flows beautifully and it's great that you tackled such a little-known subject, bringing many issues to light. Well done on the cherry!

Magic xxx

Silver Spun Sand | September 7, 2010 - 21:04

Many thanks, Magic, for your 'in-depth' appreciation of this.

A tricky subject to tackle, and as you say, not one that is widely acknowledged.

Oh...and thanks for noticing the poem's structure. Means a lot, as you will appreciate, only too well.

Have a good week;-)

Tina xxx

rjnewlyn | September 8, 2010 - 22:00

Well done. As you say, it's not an easy subject - runs counter to the grain of what literature and poetry usually have as their 'balance'. I liked the way it wasn't that obvious - makes the reader think and pay attention.

Rob

Silver Spun Sand | September 9, 2010 - 07:43

Thanks, Rob...your thoughts, as ever, highly
valued;-)

Tina

darkenwolf | September 14, 2010 - 17:41

You handle the subject well - i think some of these campaigns against violence would do well to use it
well done
;)

Silver Spun Sand | September 14, 2010 - 18:20

Thanks, darkenwolf;-) More than appreciated.

Tina

Beeme | September 16, 2010 - 21:01

Sorry I'm late Tina. I've been busy with editing the October abctales magazine! I really like the sincerity and honesty in this piece, I think it's beautifully written and as always, such a bold message told in a very tactful way. Well done on the cherry-richly deserved in my opinion :)

Beeme xx

Silver Spun Sand | September 17, 2010 - 08:04

Great to hear from you Beeme. I must admit to being a little concerned as I hadn't 'seen' you around lately. I was so relieved when I realised it was because you were busy with the magazine.

Thanks for taking time out to read this, and I wish you every success with the October issue, which I have no doubt it will be;-)

Tina xx