Dedicated to all the women and men who are victims of domestic violence.

It’s been years since the nightmare of you,

But I wonder if you still do what you do?

Do you still get off on the terror you instill?

In the helpless victim who is at your whim or will?

I was so young and thought I was grown.

I wanted to be married and out on my own.

Well, I got my wish and I grew up fast,

The day you placed the gun to my head and said it would be my last.

I could tell by your dead eyes you meant what you said.

Even now, thirty years later, I’m surprised I’m not dead.

I didn’t know enough yet, to keep my mouth shut,

I yelled right back at you and got in the truck,

I ran for my life that day, with you close behind.

My eyes streaming tears, I searched for my parents; my kind.

I knew you wouldn’t hurt me in front of them yet.

The coward inside of you was still too big, on that my life I bet.

That was the killing shot to our marriage that day.

I knew I had to move, to get away.

If I wanted my child and myself to survive,

I’d have to slip away from you somehow, to keep us alive.

I endured far more than what is in this short poem,

But I want to encourage others in danger to find a safe home.

Those men do not love you. They only wish to humiliate and control.

They won’t stop, no matter how many times they say, it’s just hot winds that they blow.

Seek safety my sisters. Please do not stay.

Far too many of us do not get away.

For each one we bury, I pray we save two more.

We must stop this sick violence.  They are monsters to the core.

Image by adria.richards via Flickr

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Comments (13)
  • dmonty on May 3, 2009

    This Is What I’m Talking About!!! After 31 years on the front lines, dealing with this week-in and week-out on the job… If you are a victim of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, you are not alone, speak out and be heard. Baby doll, this is the moment, thank you, thank you.
    This is your best piece ever**********

    Chief David L. Montgomery

  • Bullwinkle Muse on May 3, 2009

    I’m so glad you got out of that deadly situation. I know that place you were in, as do so many others. I’ve seen what violence and abuse does to a family..including my own. In fact I did a poem about this myself. Thank you.

  • Sheila on May 3, 2009

    Wonderful poem! I hope this hits home for some and becomes the help they need

  • ladybaby on May 3, 2009

    It can not be told enough. \”Women are dying every day from the men they loved.\” I myself was nearly murdered by my ex- husband. We can not change them no matter how much we love them, or believe that they will change. By staying; a women continues to be in worse and worse danger. I was told by a counselor at the battered womens shelter, that all women want to believe that he will change, but in reality, only ONE in ONE HUNDRED will actually change. That is only one percent. Get OUT while you have the chance.Love or no love. You may have to grieve for a few months, but you will be ALIVE. Why some men are so violent and abusive, is something that needs to be investigated, so something can be done about it, because it is happening way too much. Thanks for a good and informative article.

  • Debra. on May 3, 2009

    Peggy, You have written a most powerful and emotional piece. You are a very strong and determined lady, to get yourself out of that situation took some strength on your part. Sadly, so many others don’t. I am truly honored to have read this piece from you.

    God bless.

  • Daisy Peasblossom on May 4, 2009

    I know this syndrome too well. I’m glad you made it out. I won’t say unscathed, because these things leave permanent scars.

  • Christine Ramsay on May 4, 2009

    This is a very powerful and emotional piece and carries such a strong message to other sufferers. I am so glad you got away from the violence. I wish others had your courage.

    Christine

  • rajeev bhargava on May 4, 2009

    All this time, I was looking for the heroines of today. Today I have found one; yes it is you. Rest assured, you are not alone, everybody human with a heart and soul is with you 100%. This is your best work and I know it took all your courage and strength to present it. Congratulations for all your bravery and I wish you gain more strength upon each passsing day. I loved it. In these situations when we are alone, we become gods ourselves.

  • Will Gray on May 4, 2009

    Great write about an abomination to society. I will never understand people who create such pain and misery, which leaves some so mentally scarred, they never get over it!

  • Kate Smedley on May 4, 2009

    I now think this is your best yet Peg, the title says it all, powerfully expressed, excellent poetry, just keep writing girl! I’m with you all the way …xo

  • Poetic Enigma on May 5, 2009

    Very poweful and strong message behind your words

  • Katie Marie on May 20, 2009

    Just echoing all that as already been said. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • trinket on May 20, 2009

    Very sad to read that you had to endure this terrible nightmare. But glad for you that you were able to get away. It’s a frightening situation that no woman should go through. And I thank you for writing this poem. I hope that more people will read it and understand what the end result can be if you do not make the right choices. I was married at a very young age also, but did not know that the man that I was about to marry was doing cocaine and extrememly addicted to it. Enough to steal for it. This was the beginning of another bad situation. Thank you for a very thought provoking message. Well written.

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