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What Offense

Heart of porcelain with crimson lips Cracks a gap toothed grin But troubled cobalt eyes Reflect a sorrow deep within Chestnut locks obscure his sight As he now hangs his head He shrinks in silence suddenly His countenance speaks dread I look to see what force has come To bring about the change But, when I behold the source It seems no longer strange The one who glowers at the boy Contorts his face with rage What could this little child have done At such a tender age To provoke unbridled hate And fury from this man Who should be cherishing his son I cannot understand He roughly drags the boy away I watch in frozen fear Saline heat runs down my cheek One single, bitter tear Inspired by Sami Al-khalili's contest, "Face of All Emotions"

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Cecil Hickman

Date: 1/1/2010 10:21:00 PM

abuse is a horrible thing and much more, your words paint a picture of a happening that is to widely present.it is always a shock and hard for me to understand these things and why they continue,,Thank you for your words and for taking the time to read mine,,,Blessings..cecil

Tim Ryerson

Date: 10/2/2009 10:52:00 AM

Oh, Donna...This is dark and beautiful at the same time...it makes me think that would-be parents should have to pass some kind of psychological exam first...but it's a free country...I think you got a winner here! - Tim

Vince Suzadail Jr.

Date: 9/15/2009 9:31:00 AM

The sad part is, the boy will learn to abuse. It is tough to break the cycle. Good luck in the contest. Vince

Yoni Dvorkis

Date: 8/28/2009 6:57:00 PM

very dark write, brings out a lot of personal memories in me, as I'm sure it does in everyone who's had a parent be angry with them for reasons they didn't understand. Now I do though, the child did nothing, the parent was already troubled to begin with , and was looking for an excuse to dump his anger on the boy, to justify the wrath so to speak. Very insightful Donna. -Yoni

Corinne Curcio

Date: 8/27/2009 5:53:00 PM

Excellent writing, Donna. I hate it whenever I see some act of coldness and/or a physical assault on a son or daughter. What can they be thinking? Well done - and best of luck in the contest

Daver Austin

Date: 8/27/2009 10:45:00 AM

I taught school for thirty years...this is only too true, Donna. I'll weep a bitter tear for the child too. Love, daver

James Fraser

Date: 8/27/2009 9:51:00 AM

Quite an incredible write Donna, all the best in the contest. Thank you so much for your kind words on my poem " Why the Rose Bled " >>James

Katie Mitchell

Date: 8/27/2009 8:48:00 AM

This is a beautiful and heart-wrenching poem, very vivid and emotional.... Thank you for this, and your wonderful comments. Best of luck in the contest! ~Katie

Brian Strand

Date: 8/27/2009 12:54:00 AM

Best wishes with this one Donna,thanks for your welcome comments today.Rgds Brian

James Marshall Goff

Date: 8/26/2009 10:11:00 PM

you have given voice to our most cherished ones...our children! nice! Donna! and thanks for your welcome comments! jim

Joshua Lacey

Date: 8/26/2009 2:19:00 PM

saddening how some people can be so selfish and brutal

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/26/2009 2:12:00 PM

Very touching poem and very descriptive of some situations of this day and age. Keep writing. Sara

Barbara Gorelick

Date: 8/26/2009 1:12:00 PM

I have been in this position..seeing..and not knowing what to do for the poor child. Great job. BG

Carol Sunshine Brown

Date: 8/26/2009 11:42:00 AM

I am so happy to be able to read your amazing poetry today Donna. I thank you for sharing your writing. I wish you the best in the contest. Love, Carol