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Open Poetry #8
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Johnny Doesnt Live Here Anymore
| Open Poetry #8 |
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Johnny Doesnt Live Here Anymore |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Johnny was playing < !signature-->like little boys will Happy and free at the neighbors. Then mama came home weary and tired. Johnny watches her face good at reading her moods He wears the scars of misjudgement on his back. He is safe for the moment. She fixes his dinner and sets it before him. He's careful so careful not to spill a drop. And he almost makes it. Til she asks him for something His hand hits his milk sending it spilling to the floor One look in her eyes and his body starts shaking His heart races but he knows not to cry Im sorry mama his little voice falters I'll clean it up I promise it wont happen again. But theres no mercy in the eyes of that stranger Sitting where his mama once did. She pours at all her anger of her tired little life His fragile little body shuddering at each blow. Knowing it will end as fast as it began. But today she is really angry Over moments in her day. The car wouldnt start Her boss was a jerk The guy from last night didnt call. AND NOW JOHNNY DOESNT LIVE HERE ANYMORE never say never [This message has been edited by Paula Finn (edited 07-30-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Paula Finn - All Rights Reserved | |||
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed reading this...Paula this is a big problem...parents taking their frustrations, their burdens out on the children...I was watching "The Kid" with Bruce Willis and their is a terrible scene where the father emotionally abuses his 10 year old son and it reminded me of some situations in my past. These things stay with you for a long time...James |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Thank you James...it was a painful write but some things just spill out. never say never |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Oh, Paula~ You touch this subject with such vividness that it has to make us cry. That's the way it should be ... we need to cry and SCREAM for it to stop. Thank you for remaining diligent in exposing others to the horrors that are inflicted on little innocent ones that simply cannot fend for themselves. We MUST be the voices of the children. God bless you, hon. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
This was difficult to read Paula, only because your message is so vividly portrayed. You've taken these words and conveyed a message so tragic. Sorrowful situation indeed but very well-written ... I echo Marge above! Best wishes, /Kit |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Marge...I have to write whats in my heart...and children are our future and who else but us can defend them...we have to speak out no matter what. Kit...it was a difficult write...I cant stand to see a child cry.. never say never |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Difficult to read as well as I am sure it was to write but these things need to be said and you have said it well. This is a sad situation that inflicts many and hopefully with your verse at least one may see and stop to change. That is all it takes is a place to start and you have given it that chance. Great read really great. |
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EWDrake Member
since 2000-07-30
Posts 183NC, USA |
Paula, through the eyes of the child you paint a very real picture. It's too easy at times to think of children only with smiling faces and laughing eyes. Not all laugh, not all are heard. You eloquently gave the lost ones voice. Wonderful job, EWDrake |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Paula you took the initiative and put this down on paper where it is twice as powerful as the spoken word. That in itself is important because it is a document and it's recorded. All the comments you recieve will serve to strengthen you and the people that reply. So you never know exactly how much good bringing issues like this out into the open will generate, directly or indirectly. The point is you made it a topic for discussion and you are to be commended for that. The idea of using Johnny is an atraction because it is traditional and it's familiar. Good job Paula.....proud of you!! |
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Gossamerwings Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207 |
All the time as a child Asking what I had done wrong Was I bad Is that why I had To endure her pain all along. I made a vow That this would stop here Later on I had two babies And they thank me that they had nothing to fear. *penned by gossamerwings* Thanks for writing about this Paula. You did a wonderful job!  Gossamerwings ;) |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Mark...if I can make one, just one, person stop and think abt what it means ti hurt a child then it was worth the difficulty EW...thank you for your kind words....there has to be soemone for the children. ethome...I cant even begin to tell you what your words mean to me...to have you proud of me...thank you my friend. Gossemerwings...what was done to me I shall never inflict on another...yes Gossamer thats the way it should be but so seldom ever is. never say never |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
once more please |
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