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Burnt Tears

Diane Perna
BURNT TEARS


I remember a tormented childhood with
Dad’s words laced with poison and Mom 
tossed acid on my tears by saying no words
to stop it and even joined it.

I remember that even though I was a small 
and frail child that didn’t stop them  
these parents left me to thrash about life
with their painful insults.  

I remember because my spirit was crushed
I wore an unmistakable frown
the wounds of my heart were inimitable too
as was the damage to my character. 

I remember Mom laughing when I swallowed Clorox 
and should’ve warned it wasn’t apple cider  
what I was left with was swallowing burnt tears
and always wondered if anyone could tell. 

I remember my sorrowfulness like 
hot molten metal running over me but
I kept it locked up and bound because 
I only found judgment that silenced me.

I remember pressing on through to another year, 
month, week, day and minute with the blare in my 
head of the brutal belittlement so evermore 
I carry the memory of those burnt tears.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 2/8/2024 5:08:00 PM
This was heartbreaking, but very real well written. Thank you sharing such an emotional, sensitive, and personal poem, Diane.
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Date: 12/9/2021 6:50:00 PM
A child's sorrowful experiences can be scars for life. Your poems are powerful + moving. Heal well dear poet. Sincerely, Brian
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