Blows

BLOWS



Blows landed beneath the skin leave

black and blue marks that last

beyond those simple buffets to the

body leave.



So for those inclined to spew their

serpent’s venom and infuse their own

scurrilous pain upon the face of

sleeping innocence;



Think twice, and see if you can find it

tolerable in your twisted mind,

to slap the child while keeping your

taunting mouth shut.



….and God may count it unto you,

a kindness.



© 1998 Bart Breen

Author's Notes/Comments: 

This was a disturbing poem to write.  Read it outloud to try and appreciate the use of beginning letters in each stanza designed to acoustically reinforce the words themselves.

Child abuse is far more than physical beatings, as awful as those are.  The constant stream of criticism, ridicule and cruelty that adults can inflict upon Children are just awful.

I've experienced both.  I'll tkae the physical beatings over the mental and verbal abuse.

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