PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Spreading Awareness
Karyn Indursky

From a child's eyes
holding secrets of memories
of "daddy's" threats.

Reflecting on how
he lied, cheated, threatened
without opening lips.

Hidden pain watching
him belittle, degrade, condemn
while no one else sees.

Remembering how he
always knew how
to make you cry.

Hiding emotions tightly
and knowing punishment
was awaiting.

Taking all punishment
because no one's allowed
to hurt family members.

Remembering how many times
he manipulated, bullied, disrespected
all women.

Learning to be quiet
because what a girl says
has no meaning.

Bottling up fear
because someone has to
be level-headed, protective, strong.

Finding outlets prematurely
for rays of hope like
prayer, music, "friends."

Growing up learning
more than text book knowledge,
but not worthy of a degree.

Giving up childhood,
but gaining other lessons
far more important.

Eyes mature.
Calendar changes.
Awareness spreads.