Damaged

Adam L.

So sad to know how often this happens to innocent victims. You've shared a compelling poem, Lis. Welcome back, sweetheart.

LeParadisNoirPoetique

Arguably the most devastating topic to write about, and arguably the most devastating topic to read about. This is as dark as it gets, because life is one great big childhood, and when something like this happens, childhood is over, because you realise monsters are real, and the book has no more happy endings. Your words in this poem are tragic because they are all about a life being over, because the only memories this person will have are the words you wrote "And now the flashback of that rape." The sun rising is that flashback, going to sleep is that flashback, and every birthday she will celebrate, is another candle on the cake, another year reminding her of that awful flashback. This is so harrowing Lisbeth, yet also a harsh truth about life, explaining that the good things will always disappear, but the bad things will always remain. Darkly devastating in the truth, yet a magnificent poem. Your words and rhyming showcase the harsh aftermath of the victim, and that she will be broken until she reaches the arms of death. Such harrowing poetry, yet darkly beautiful.

Mike S.

Powerful poem, J. B!

Jeff Bezaire

Knowing how to survive is the only thing someone needs to live on. The pain and trauma may never leave them, and they may never be able to cope with it, but to have the heart to persevere gives them all the time they have to try and work through it and overcome those horrors.
I know someone whose struggled with this kind of trauma for nearly fifty years. It hasn't become any easier to manage, but they keep working on overcoming the abuse they suffered. It's not a fun life, but if they can find some semblance of peace before they pass away, then wasn't it worth something? Also, someone's pain and suffering is another's inspiration to keep fighting.
This is an incredible poem, Lisbeth! Powerful! Shocking to read, but it illustrates that secret pain so vividly. You've done an amazing job on this piece.

moa rider

For victims like that little girl there is no justice. Even if the guy was jailed for the rest of his life, the victim's distress is on-going. A compelling write Jay.

Sue Harris

This poem about 'the little girl' is sadly true of so many victims (boys too). Here in the UK there have been reports of 'grooming gangs' that the police failed to investigate properly or to take appropriate action for fear of racism. Historic accusations of a football coach who systematically abused boys for years, was recently found guilty. As your poem clearly demonstrates, for the victims it is a life long legacy of mental anguish. I watched grown men cry on television, when asked to talk about their experiences, it was awful. I commend you for having the courage to write about this most distressing issue, and for doing so in such haunting style. As you say, these victims are beyond repair. Bravo, JB. .

hullabaloo22

Not an easy topic to tackle, jaylisbeth, but you did it with honesty and compassion for the victim. Scars of the past never vanish. Excellent work!

Joy Shaw

As someone who lives with Complex PTSD. I can relate very much with this poem. Very moving, Jaylisbeth!

Melancholic Wisdom

A very moving piece, something that I'm glad you wrote about. This is always something that needs to be talked about, and I'm glad that you did talk about it. Fantastic job.

Criss Sole

This is an incredibly tragic topic that sadly effects so many people and their lives are destroyed. I was very moved while reading this. Beautifully written.

Rehmat Tanzila

O God so tragic dearest. It reminds me of the little seven years old girl raped here :( So heartfelt :(