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Open Poetry #46
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Splinter
| Open Poetry #46 |
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Splinter |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA 
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Splinter I sat, staring, still, the sting of want waiting for him to smile through crossed arms and tattoos that tore the skin. Even as they sang happy birthday he refused to play pretend through childhood eyes vilifying the lies with the truth that I was a mistake. But, the cake stood tall as the glee of cousins and classmates permeated the walls covering the blood stains and sorrow screams from the times he slammed my mother and I into the edge of insanity. She grinned at me as the gold from her ring reflected the sacrifice of a woman and how a child would become their hate of putting things on hold and settling for less. The children yelled, "Surprise!" and laughed my innocence as I blew out hope's flame wishing for the prince who would save me from this. The icing strutted sepia smooth as little fingers snuck a sample still giggling after he called me stupid slapping my face with the TV guide; Though the lick of lips verified how chocolate never tasted so good. I wasn't humiliated all sense of dignity I once owned was lost years ago as I clutched the balloon that held it's breath with disappointment ready to burst like piñata poured pain. The way he chomped his gum beneath his Hitler mustache was enough to unnerve me; Scattering Scorpio hairs heiled the monster that watched through black pupils like a tiger ready to pounce it’s prey forewarning in it’s calm of what tortures he may bring. "I love you, Daddy," I said in my attempt for escape but he got his smug satisfaction by deflating my balloon with his cigarette while his hockey teammate spit beer in my face. I don't think I ever cried harder in my life. The camera flash molested the moment capturing the quickly dried tears and newspaper print on cheek force to pose happiness – imposter in white dress, a reminder of how ugly I am. I was allowed to hold the Polaroid waving the mediocre hues back and forth until the image grew brave. My mother boasted like a rooster cocking it's body through the dirt as all the other mothers agreed "such a pretty little girl." Now I know why I hate photographs how the false light steals your soul and marks the permanence of hurt. I am the sacrifice of a woman how a child would become hate of putting things on hold and settling for less reliving the same cycle. If left on it's own, the heart will eventually rid itself of a hurtful splinter or encompass it completely if it lies too deep. I still have that picture. By Melissa Long-Monette |
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| © Copyright 2010 Melissa P. Long-Monette - All Rights Reserved | |||
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shirtless Member
since 2006-04-29
Posts 359 |
Hurts to read it. Must really hurt to write it - to live it. The tearing, slamming, bursting - the psychological isn't separated from the physical. Powerful piece. poetry podcasts, blogs and photopoems at URL= http://anthonyarmstrong.ca |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Intense is putting it lightly. I’m saddened to know that such excellent writing is born of such horrific experiences... although this is an assumption on my part, your words strike too true to be considered otherwise. Peace to you and yours. "We'll chase them like rats across the tundra." |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Thank you Anthony and Andrew for reading this very personal piece...it's a revision of an oldie and this is the polished copy now. And Andrew, yes this poem is true to what happened to me when I was 8 years old; but in writing it, it was cathartic and healing....also Jesus has healed my emotional wounds from childhood and He taught me to forgive  So all is well now |
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Chalmette Guy Senior Member
since 2009-03-11
Posts 1257Louisiana |
Wow. I have never read anything more powerful and from reading your reply here, I feel it even moreso. I am at a loss to say anything. That is actually a testament to how well you wrote this, such a personal painful piece. I hope healing has truly come to you. |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
a very powerfully poignant write...filled with some fantastic lines and heart-wrenching hurt...gotta go back and definitely read it again....amazing |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Melissa - I am stunned (again). Lord, what a talent you have for eliciting emotions with your words! This poem should be required reading for all fathers and mothers such as yours. Then again, I doubt they would read it because some walls in the mind are beyond broaching, and the wall of ignorance is the stoutest of them all. Bless you, Melissa, for your rise above it. It is an inspiration for me, who is still searching for the strength to forgive not only others, but just as importantly, myself. |
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Dark Stranger Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631West Coast |
ms honey.. some men fear loving more than death...you are the butterfly that flew above it all.. |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Chalmette Guy, steveanr, Michael and DS~ Thank you so much!  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Stunned. I didn't realize. No wonder you've such vision... you've gained such height.  |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Karilea, you're always the 'sunshine' to my day!  |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Honeybee, This is a very good write. That's the way splinters work. Bobby |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Absolute perfection...I would not change a thing.  |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Powerful, stunning, horrifying: yet hopeful by your replies.. my heart goest out to you. Don`t stop writing.. your gift is absolutely unmistakeable. Love~Amaryllis |
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Boshii2 Member
since 2009-02-01
Posts 146 |
I came I saw You conquered Me kind regards Boshii2 |
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Eterne Member
since 2010-07-21
Posts 75Quebec, Canada |
I am so sorry that it all happened to you. Powerful poem written from the bottom of your soul. I hope it will help you heal. Take care. |
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katahdin Senior Member
since 2010-07-01
Posts 1196ME. In the Shadow of the Mt. |
Painfull memory I'm sure but hopefully getting it all out and writing it down will help the healing. Very powerfull stuff! Kat >^..^< |
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