This post is written for Sadje for the WDYS prompt.
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Sadje says: For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a giant female
figure who is opening her chest to show the greenery inside. There are cracks on
the visage and torso of this sculpture.
Will to Quell
As if slapped, she shut her eyes tight
from the strong thud of his words
she’d heard them so many times
but they still serve to hurt
When her eyes finally open
his putrid breath is inches close
that the words on the cliff of her tongue
could never quell with a right answer.
Who the hell do you think you are,
he roars, and with his boot heel
stomps hard on her
days-old broken toes.
A loud streak she gives
though only in her head
and from that stupid question
old wounds open up.
But the crux of the mistreatment
is that his mother is their witness
and though she’ll walk her to the doctor
again and knit clothes for the unborn baby
she isn’t what the girl needs most
--When you ask that indignant question
you’re not looking for an answer
you’re accusing, full of judgment as
if you’re the author of someone’s story--
Women everywhere are trapped (like
his mother) guarding old and new secrets;
trapped and never making sense of what was
happening and passing it on to their offspring.
© selma
How can we quell this atrocity? By quell, I mean eradicate it once and
forever–not just to quiet it. This kind of war, happening under one roof,
under the eyes of other women is the bane of misery.
I wish I had an answer or a cure. God save us!
Thanks for reading.
I’m a simple woman who dares to see the beauty in ordinary. I’d love to connect with you and like pen pals, I want something beautiful to blossom between us. Will you join me? Selma is my middle name. Its meaning—peaceful, complete, are euphoric affirmations I like to think of myself as having. They compliment the joy I feel when I write. I sincerely hope you decide to join me on my writing journey. I Wish You Miracles.
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This cycle of complacency has to stop and women need to stand up for each other. A very important point raised in your poem Selma. Thanks for joining in.
It’s a deep rooted disempowering thing… AND Women have their loyalties in limbo.
Made to feel damned if they do speak up for the girls. And berated by the masses and their menfolks too.
And most likely they themselves suffered similarly. It’s a very sad cycle. It must be broken! Women supporting women!!
Thanks, Sadje. I went dark on this one because I’ve seen it happen in some circles. Bless you
I’ve also seen it happen and recently read an account of an abuse/ harassment incident where women were not only complacent but actively abetting. This indeed had to stop
It must stop!
Thanks Sadje. For adding to the conversation.
Yes it should stop
Amazing sculpture, Greenery in the chest. Beautiful words written in poem.
Thanks dearly Raj. Hope this doesn’t happen around you. It’s too sad to carry this burden.
Be well. Blessings.
HI Selma, I have always believed that other women are the biggest threat and obstacle to equality for women and the biggest supporters of the downfall and suppression of their own sex.
Nurture is a big thing I think.
Also, Women have their loyalties in limbo. Made to feel damned if they do speak up for the girls. And berated by the masses and their menfolks too. Most likely, they themselves suffered similarly. It’s a very sad cycle. It must be broken! Women supporting women is the only way. A little rebellion is necessary. May we all get it right soon.
The poem “Sentencing” in my debut collection came from the same feeling. I feel terrible this is still a thing. I pray for women everywhere every day.
Thanks for the comment, Robbie.
Blessings.
It is a terrible thing, Selma, and abuse of women and children is still huge in Africa 💚
It’s shattering and an insult to all of us. May it quell in our lifetime. Thanks, Robbie.
I agree, Selma. It is a blight on our world.
we need to empower women to stand up for themselves and other women. it will be a superpower
Yes. Yes. A real superpower. Need to reevaluate “fidelity”
Brilliantly written to raise awareness Selma !
Yes, Maggie. Need to raise awareness to this misplaced fidelity to not go against what’s instinctively correct. Hope we get there soon.
Thanks for reading and appreciating. Xoxo
I hope so too Selma 🙏
My pleasure always xox
Painfully powerful, Selma raising consciousness always.. Kudos to you💕
Thanks for this subtle vote of confidence my friend. Yes, always wanting to make a dent in the system. Bless you
So much is hidden away and not spoken of. Even when exposed, often the woman is blamed. I don’t know what the answer is… (k)
Often the woman is blamed. True. It’s a difficult situation
This is exactly why women have to stand with one another. So wonderful Selma.
Outstanding, powerful poem, Selma. Women need to stand up with each other.
I agree – it’s doubly horrible when other women condone it.
😔 but I think this mother is under the grips of oppression too. A sad situation. I wish I had a good solution. It’s doubly horrible like you point out. Xoxo