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Martie
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California

0 posted 1999-12-09 05:24 PM


The Terrible Lament of How
  

He is only nine
but his tension is ageless,
any vibration will touch him off.
I tip-toe carefully by
trying not to disturb the air around him.

Does he scare himself
looking through me
into the taut pull of his anger?
It must be like drowning,
that alien world
where nothing is familiar,
where he can’t breath.

He calls me "****er face",
then rolls his fist up
like a snake about to strike.
I try not to duck (thinking he will not hit me).
I am surprised when he does.

I know holding and rocking,
I know soothing words,
I know how to touch,
How do I touch this child?

He is only nine.




[This message has been edited by Martie (edited 12-09-1999).]

© Copyright 1999 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

1 posted 1999-12-09 05:29 PM


Oh Martie.

Words say nothing in the face of this.

Will prayers and hugs help any, my friend?
Kamla


blewaway5
Junior Member
since 1999-12-09
Posts 10

2 posted 1999-12-09 05:40 PM


don't give up, please, please don't give up.  Children are almost the last redeeming thing we humans have left, and when one is lost one way or another we all lose so much.  I hope all goes well for you and for the boy.

--blewaway5

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 1999-12-09 05:45 PM


Thank you for your replies Severn and Blueaway5.  This happened a number of years ago when I was teaching.  This child is now a grown man.  I hope that I helped him in some small way get there.< !signature-->

 In the dew of little things,
the heart finds its morning
and is refreshed.
(ee cummings)


[This message has been edited by Martie (edited 12-09-1999).]

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
4 posted 1999-12-09 05:47 PM


Martie,
The problem is almost common today,
But the poetry is most uncommon. *L*

Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

5 posted 1999-12-09 05:51 PM


I'm sure you would have - and our prayers can be directed now to the other children and their families who suffer, yes?
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

6 posted 1999-12-11 03:40 PM


Very sad. Sometimes they can't be reached, sometimes they can. All we can do is try. I'm sure you did all you could for him.
Great poem, Martie.

 Denise



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