NEVER SINGING, SINGING. (hope is the first note)
Never singing singing
To his chafed and calloused touch
To his time for him
and him alone. To his bark
that breaks my bones
Never singing singing
To the place I live a lie
To the girl gone in the mirror
To the backbone sick and dying
Never singing singing
To the children
never raised. To the spirit dead
within me. To my body
on the grave.
Just sing one note, damn you,
my voice, reflected, cries.
one single
small
intensive note
is all that is required.
Without
that note
I will never sing
to the place where murmurs grow
To the left and to
the wrong of those
who talk
but never know
If they would only Stop
their natter, and intonate
to me
I may a day
find my voice
then singing I would leave
But never singing singing
the metronome
still plays
its wicked little ticking game
I sweep
my tomb in time
and wait.
written by me- Driving Miss Crazy aka- Colleen Hannah, for an assignment in Poetry, I wrote it for the women, I have known, who have lived, and those who still live, in an abusive relationship. So often these women are hurt not only by their spouses, but they are also hurt by those they thought they could trust and count on. There are many who truly are there for these women, but I chose to write about those who "talk the talk," then runaway when it is time for the woman to walk away. That woman needs someone who will be there not just to pray or say the right things, but instead, to be there when she leaves, when she leaves everything behind. But sadly, as I have written in my poem, so many don't make it to that first step, and instead, are chained to another's steps, leading to the inevitable end of an abusive relationship.
So, if you are someone who knows a woman in crisis, give her the gift of that first note, give her hope, by helping her in some meaningful and tangible way. Perhaps find out where the safe houses are in your neigbourhood or city then give her the list or keep it hidden but ready for her. Perhaps you can drive her to a doctor who can help her find safety. Maybe you could just let her know that your door is always open and you, and I mean all of us, including me. Perhaps that is too scary for you, then you could always help her by letting her know you will take a call from her at any time day or night. These are just a few ways you could help. Just the idea that someone cares enough to keep in contact and knows her secrets but still cares for her anyway is a deep and resonating note of hope.
I know so many of you out there do help and things are changing, but for those who are still "trapped" and can find no reason to sing, I promise
there can be a day for singing. Hope is the first note.
Take care all out there, let's start singing!
To all those out there who struggle, I can offer nothing more than my belief in hope, and a better, safer day will come.
I pray you take it with you.
Love and care to all out there, Colleen