Photo: sheknows.com
“Anyone could see that this woman is living a nightmare. Except that she goes through her daily life wide awake, knowing that she could make a mistake at any moment” Nuria Ano
For Peace
She busied herself with
plain, economical movements,
not one could tell of her inner fear
cept for the frown of concentration,
wiping the dust of accusation
he would make were it still there
when he came home,
the sheen of polish protected her
bringing assurances of another
day without trauma,
the clean floors gave her confidence
and dinner already prepared
was her salvation,
to fail was to court danger,
his hands were like club hammers,
so big and matching his growing rage,
causing her universe to fold,
somewhere inside she was still there
but she couldn’t see a future
and so she busied herself for peace.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
parallax 
Sadly a common scenario
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Very!
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This brings to mind the movie…Sleeping With The Enemy. Chilling.
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Yes, it was chilling, this was my mother’s story really.
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I realize I am very fortunate to have never been in such a situation to fear for my life.
I try not to lose hope as I think about the possibility of a world with less violence and anger, and more acceptance and love.
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Yes, I feel much the same, not to lose hope, I do see change in many, it’s a relationship by relationship process I guess, no quick fixes.
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the compromises some are forced to make … you describe DV so well!
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So sad that this is a reality for many! How terrifying must that be?
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Yes it is very sad indeed, my mother was one of them.
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I’m so sorry to hear that Paul. You certainly capture the essence of domestic abuse or bullying in the home perfectly in your poem and you are creating a safe space where people can find and use their voice!
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Thank you, yes I hope for that, my mother never really recovered or functioned well which to me is a tragedy. Yes, I hope by writing to put it out there for others. Thank you so much.
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And thank you for being an agent for change!
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🙂
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Haunting piece reflecting on the dark side of life.
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Sadly so, and real as you say, thank you for reflecting back on it Eugenia.
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My pleasure!
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Oh God – a portrait of my Mother, and by osmosis, me. Well observed.
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Yes, my mother, I do hope others find their voice in this matter, I do hope too, that one day everyone can be safe in a family. Thank you for sharing that VJ
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Welcome, Paul!
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🙂
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you Charles 🙂
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Always happy to share your posts, My Friend!
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Too common of a scenario…and chilling indeed at the world the victim is boxed within.
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Yes the coping mechanism is actually self-defeating, but without help, they never realise.
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Sadly true
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Yes.
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I am so sorry too, Paul! Life often is very bad, a horror trip. ;-( Michael
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Indeed Michael.
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Great powerful poem
>
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Thanks Lyn 🙂
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Peace is all we need ❤️
Great Writing ✨
I write about love. Please visit my site and subscribe.
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