L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

Abusive Father

I shall never forget the day he died
And how I felt deep down
In the pit of my stomach
A complex man does not excuse
Or explain how he treated me.
Abusive fathers remain for a lifetime
Never going away
Leaving scars in the mind
That seldom entirely hide themselves
But emerge from time to time
To hurt again.

I shall never forget the day we buried him
My siblings shed copious tears
And mourners, who did not understand,
Wondered why I was dry-eyed
But, I cried a million tears inside.

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Emile Pinet March 6, 2021 at 8:36 AM I can relate to everything your poem speaks of...childhood shadows that haunt me still to this day my friend, you may want to check out my poem "A man Called Leo", Emile. https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_man_called_leo_940744 L Milton Hankins May 26, 2022 at 3:04 PM Emile, I have now read "A Man Called Leo" several times. Yes, we have essentially the same story. And, so much of my life, I felt so alone! L Milton Hankins March 6, 2021 at 9:34 AM Thanks for reading, Emile. When a lady came up to me at the cemetery and inquired why I was not at the graveside sobbing like my brother and sister, I flippantly remarked, "I've waited my entire life for this day!" I was sad, yes, but not the reasons they were. I feel your pain!

Carolyn Devonshire January 1, 2021 at 7:10 AM It's sad to think many children grow up in homes where they endure abuse. My sympathies to you. You expressed your feelings very well. Best wishes for the new year, Carolyn L Milton Hankins January 1, 2021 at 10:52 AM This was a difficult piece to write, but, as I mentioned below, years of counseling helped me to gain a new perspective. I have long ago forgiven my father. I hope this poem might be helpful for others who have experienced the same thing. Thanks for your read.

Beata Agustin January 1, 2021 at 5:58 AM Thanks for sharing this. It's my prayer that you have already coped with such traumatic experience/feeling... With my Social work exposure, I have seen how God worked and is working in the lives of those we have counseled and prayed for ... Meanwhile, God bless you with a great 2021 all by His grace. L Milton Hankins January 1, 2021 at 10:51 AM Years of counseling helped me gain a new perspective. Thanks for your comment.