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Metoo

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While this poem about domestic violence does not accurately represent my reality, it does represent emotions that I have struggled with for years. When people ask, "Why didn't they report it? Why didn't they leave? Why didn't they say something at the time?", they underestimate the power that the men have over women in these situations. Forty years ago, I was inappropriately touched as a child by someone who visited my home. To this day, I can't speak his name due to fear of humiliation, for fear of causing scandal, for fear of not being believed. I grew up hating my body. I grew up not trusting men. It ruined any relationship that I tried to have. This was followed by a male showing me his genitals when I was a teenager trying to deliver his newspaper. It was followed by a college professor who tried to get me to meet him in a bar after class when I asked for class help and then was highly critical of anything I turned in for a grade after I refused. It was followed by being violated by someone who I thought cared about me to the point where I was afraid to even undress in my own home. MeToo isn't just about sexual harassment. It isn't just about wanting attention or wanting to harm someone who is rich and powerful. MeToo is about the strength of women who finally say, it is NOT OK. MeToo is about acknowledging the pain and emotional trauma that violations of our bodies create. It takes so much courage to come forward. This is as close as I've gotten and the idea of it tears me apart. #MeToo.

We sit here In our neat little rows, Typing away, Checking our phones. You chatter away About weekend plans The holidays And everything grand. I try to join in But the words disappear I get choked at the thought Of holiday cheer. What you don’t see When we look in the eye Is the fear that tonight Is the night I will die. You don’t see the tears Or the way that I jump When I see a reflection Or feel a slight bump. You only know That I’m checking my phone Looking at screenshots Of the rooms of my home. Trying to see Who lies in wait What I will meet When I pass through That gate. But I smile and keep silent And silently say good-bye To each and every one of you As I try not to cry. Knowing that tomorrow This seat may be bare Afraid to stay, Afraid to leave Afraid that I still care. So if you read this And you wander How you could not have known… This is what domestic violence looks like Silent, smiling, and alone.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017




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Date: 8/8/2019 10:39:00 AM
Very powerful theme of course, and you craft the poem very well. Moving piece.
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Date: 12/18/2017 7:29:00 PM
Rachel nice your spirit like it.
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Date: 12/11/2017 8:04:00 PM
This piece is very creative. I like how you pointed out how we hide behind our phones just to look normal when in fact there are so many problems which we face everyday unknown to the observer
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Date: 12/11/2017 6:25:00 AM
very powerful write, many thanks for sharing Rachel x
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Date: 12/10/2017 9:47:00 PM
An abused person smiles deceiving you, perhaps at the bullying of the abuser. The person is trapped in the relationship. A nice Write. Hugs, RP.
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Date: 12/10/2017 5:11:00 PM
Powerful write..
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Date: 11/29/2017 5:11:00 PM
Very well written , Rachel. Great example of #metoo
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Date: 11/24/2017 11:09:00 AM
Rachel, this write is amazing, I was enthralled with each word, well done ~
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Date: 11/22/2017 12:34:00 PM
A silent fear masked by smiles...Powerful write Rachel
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Date: 11/22/2017 9:38:00 AM
Potent impacting pen Rachel, your forward too. Molested at a young age, I wholly relate. I wish you peace and ease of being dear poetess. xomo
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