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Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere

0 posted 2018-10-07 07:45 AM



We are all victims
or beneficiaries
of our decisions,
depending on the outcome.
I am no exception
to the rule.
Because I was afraid,
I chose not to say no.
Because I didn’t say no,
I was sexually traumatized,
publically humiliated
and emotionally damaged.
I had pretty well buried
the memories.
It is enough to live daily
with the anxiety and depression.
I never felt as if I belonged
to the “Me Too” movement
because I didn’t say no.
I didn’t think I met the criteria.
But that all changed
with one woman’s words
describing her assault.
All my memories
so safely tucked away,
for thirty-eight  years,
came rushing back
like it was yesterday.
All these years of guilt
because I didn’t have the guts
to say no, dissipated.
I had been too afraid,
I had been intimidated too long.
He was too drunk.
It took another woman’s truth
to make me see my own,
and a movement to validate it.
It took another coming out
of other victims
for me to realize
thirty-eight years isn’t too long
to have it come back up
and look at it with different,
self forgiving eyes.

LGR(C)10/7/18



© Copyright 2018 Lori Grosser Rhoden - All Rights Reserved
2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
1 posted 2018-10-13 12:51 PM


this is so sad, Lori, this like that are ruining all kind of expectations, gow painful is to learn that, everywoman must talk now, like your poem


yann

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2018-10-14 07:35 AM


Thank you Yann, it is sad and frustrating as it continues to effect me in unexpected ways. The President's attitude and the things he says on a daily basis just keeps the hurt alive. It is hard to avoid. ~L
jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
3 posted 2018-10-15 12:41 PM


x
BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
4 posted 2018-10-16 11:27 PM


BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
5 posted 2018-10-16 11:30 PM



I think your title says it all.  Political or otherwise...your poem is a part of your journey.  I also read jwesleys original post.  Sigh..We are so completely divided and I can't begin to wrap my head around that.  Peace Lori.

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