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Open Poetry #48
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Startime1955
Senior Member
since 2012-04-22
Posts 1072
Alberta, Canada

0 posted 2012-05-11 09:36 AM



Little Girl

Once upon a time long ago
there was a little girl
She always kept to the shadows
hoping not to be seen

Sitting quietly without sound
listening for anger
Raised voices would send her running
out into the forest

In darkness she would find her tree
and sit among ancient roots
She’s protected, safe and hidden
by branches bending low

Wind increases, storms a coming
but here there is no fear
Warm and sheltered in the forest
the tears can freely flow

Her heart cries out to understand
violence in her world
Knowing not to whom she can turn
I weep for this little girl

Karen Mc Neil
May 11, 2012



© Copyright 2012 Karen Mc Neil - All Rights Reserved
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

1 posted 2012-05-11 09:40 AM


Ah...there she is. (I was missing one, too.)

This one reminds me of me as well--I had an alarming habit of disappearing into the local woods. My poor mom...and I'm paying the karmic price as I type.

I've got a daughter now, and yes'm. I've been up with worry all night.

You're a sweet poet.

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2012-05-11 09:59 AM


There is much too much of violence directed at children when there should be love. I identify, Karen, only in my case it was the mother who was the tyrant bully and kept me adorned with cuts and bruises until I finished high school. I have hated that woman all my life.

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

Startime1955
Senior Member
since 2012-04-22
Posts 1072
Alberta, Canada
3 posted 2012-05-11 03:14 PM


serenity blaze
Thank you...I knew from your writing that you would understand...*HUGS*


JerryPat2
I agree there is way too much violence that children experience...I just never knew until very resently how deep the damage goes...*HUGS*

*may our dreams ever be magical*

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
4 posted 2012-05-12 04:02 AM


Fine writing...James
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
5 posted 2012-05-12 07:58 AM


quote:
In darkness she would find her tree
and sit among ancient roots
She’s protected, safe and hidden
by branches bending low



This is so beautifully expressed, I know of this kind of comfort.

To some degree I fear all children have to cope with the ugly sides of childhood. Truth is no one is really prepared for the highly demanding task of being parents.

Margherita

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
6 posted 2012-05-12 10:36 PM


Very well expressed Star.
It's a subject that needs to be openly discussed.

Good writing.

Eric

true love never looks after it's own interests

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
7 posted 2012-05-14 10:50 PM


Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Startime. I am sure this touched a cord with many of us.
                         Ida

2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
8 posted 2012-05-17 01:34 AM


hello startim, and now she is there, thanks for the very touching poem, delicate in heart,


yann

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
9 posted 2012-05-17 06:53 AM


I could almost see that special place you describe so well.
Up to and including the first line of the last verse, I could see this as a children's illustrated book.

M

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
10 posted 2012-05-17 08:41 AM


ms star..smooth silk nice


MGROVES
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802
california
11 posted 2012-05-20 08:52 PM


I was once that lost little girl
who always had to run
and hide
to keep their hate from stealing what was
inside.
i was always gods and i knew that and with the school he put me through
took this run away almost 60 years to finally pass and be touched by his grace

My spirit will rise
above the sea~
There will be no drowning
of my soul or me~

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
12 posted 2012-05-21 01:43 PM


Oh! Man! This rips the heart.

"Her heart cries out to understand
violence in her world
Knowing not to whom she can turn
I weep for this little girl"

Very sad read...
JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
13 posted 2012-05-22 02:41 PM


Startime,I was one of the lucky ones who did not have violence in my world. But it was depression time and as we were all poor I did not think it strange to be walking with cardboard in my shoes to cover the holes, nor to be wearing hand me downs from cousins or friends. Somehow we found love and it was shared. I do have empathy for others though, because over the years I have seen it happen to too many. I hope you have been able to work through the bad times.love to you, jo
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
14 posted 2012-05-22 03:16 PM


I had a tall tree in my "outside of suburbia" yard, and it often found me sitting aloft its limbs, hidden by its small feather-like leaves...I could see out, and if I dressed correctly [not knowing them of the term 'camoflage']it hid me well, and no one could see me from the house...

unless I wanted them too. It always seemed such a safe place to go...

thanks for the memories, Karen. We all find a way to hide from what scares us most.


Startime1955
Senior Member
since 2012-04-22
Posts 1072
Alberta, Canada
15 posted 2012-05-22 06:02 PM


Thank you all for you kind and encouraging thoughts...I am working hard at finding my past...uncovering things I haven't wanted to see and learning how to prevent my continueing clcle of letting all my relationship be abusive toward me...I am finding out who Karen is and what I am interested in...I know this sounds really strange but I have found out I love clothes and I love to look good...*grin* I get as excited as a kid in a candy store about so many things that most people have grown up with...*HUGS* to all of you for listening ...oh and I am starting to hug people for real...

*may our dreams ever be magical*

Zall
Member
since 2002-08-25
Posts 214
London, England
16 posted 2012-05-23 06:21 AM


Yeah.. liked it..

Especially finding her tree, and hiding amongst the roots..

HippinTrippy
Member
since 2010-03-26
Posts 103
New York
17 posted 2012-05-23 01:48 PM


This was beautiful written, I felt like I was there along side you. I'm sorry for the inspiration that manifested this poem but I am glad to see the growth and light to spawn from it.

Thank you for sharing.

It's not easy being evil, in a world gone to hell.

BrendaH
New Member
since 2012-05-21
Posts 5

18 posted 2012-05-23 11:34 PM


Your poem bring sadness to my heart specially these words "Her heart cries out to understand violence in her world knowing not to whom she can turn, I also weep for that little girl and the happy and the love every child should have and what was taken from her.
voice2bheard
Senior Member
since 2007-10-19
Posts 591
New York
19 posted 2012-05-27 08:32 PM


I really loved this poem! I have been writing for years and find myself  a hard critic these days even harshly criticizing my own work, but its very toughing and I loved it!

Kate_Mcfee (Lily's Mom)

luminosity
Senior Member
since 2005-11-18
Posts 813

20 posted 2012-06-26 02:45 PM


ah if only we could understand and remember what its like to be little.......sigh...nicewrite
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
21 posted 2012-06-26 08:12 PM


I always love the way you depict nature, and your imagery.  This had a darker tone than most of what I've read from you and I was pleased to see the same depiction held, no matter the tone of the poetry.

quote:
Wind increases, storms a coming
but here there is no fear
Warm and sheltered in the forest
the tears can freely flow


Wonderful writing.


Michael

ebonygirl
Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000
California U.S.A
22 posted 2012-06-27 11:08 AM


So heartfelt Star...
Your poem reminded of a book by
Shell Silverstein, The Giving Tree.
Ms. E

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
23 posted 2012-06-28 04:02 PM


She found the ancient roots... I found the highest branches that would hold my weight... I wish I could send hugs back to both of them.

Powerful, poignant write!

Rosemary J. Gwaltney
Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997
northern mountains, Idaho
24 posted 2012-07-11 04:21 PM


Mine was a tall bushy plum tree.  Every terrified little girl should have a tree to escape to.

"Wind increases, storms a coming
but here there is no fear
Warm and sheltered in the forest
the tears can freely flow"

The spiritual wind that holds survivors aloft, plants the seeds from which bloom new hope ... R.J.G.


Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
25 posted 2012-07-11 06:39 PM


Dear Karen,
Well said. And some of us just long to be the tree in the forest. My heart aches for children who live in fear.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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