Victor Buhagiar Poet Free verse

Desperate Housewives

Alejandro kicked the door open.
His step-daughter was huddled on her bed,
weeping and trembling with fear.
There was no pity in him,
his heart cold as an iceberg,
his whole being reeking of alcohol.
 
Gabrielle dreaded her ordeal
but could not utter one sound.
"One shout from you and I'll kill you."
She knew he meant it as she stared
into his red rimmed hard eyes.
 
Downstairs his wife sat placidly
in front of the television, 
watching the latest episode
of Desperate Housewives.

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Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh April 5, 2026 at 7:18 AM I have seen such violent husbands and wish punishments for them.

Eve Roper April 1, 2026 at 8:08 PM Enjoy reading ,,,Soap Operas tend to show a lot of emotion that i guess real life, but I was never watch Soap operas. I don't want to be hanging on what is going to happen next.

Andrea Dietrich April 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM This one has a lot of impact. So sad how abused women stay with the abuser even when their own kids are in peril. Yet there is not a decent support system for many women because the man isolates them or won't let them work. Without money, they can't escape their misery. The Desperate Housewives TV show was not about the actual desperation of real housewives. Victor Buhagiar April 1, 2026 at 11:56 AM I only borrowed the title. Never saw any episodes of the series.

Jennifer Proxenos April 1, 2026 at 7:05 AM A powerful write Tom. And and as Karen Jones says below, you have given a voice to the voiceless. Brilliant poem. Hugs Jennifer.

Yann Rolland March 31, 2026 at 3:30 AM it looks terrible, a drunk husband seems like an an animal, wives need some courage to bear, thanks this is quite moving

Valsa George March 30, 2026 at 8:51 PM Some wives are so desperate especially with a drunkard as a husband. He has no heart to see the sufferings of his wife. Powerfully delineated.

Tom Cunningham March 30, 2026 at 1:37 PM The drink brings out the beast in some men, men that threaten women like that aren't real men. Tom

Joseph P. DiMino March 30, 2026 at 12:45 PM Shocking! And happens too often. Well said, Victor.

Evelyn Judy Buehler March 30, 2026 at 12:27 PM How sad that children have to experience this kind of fear! Your well wrought poem is a beacon of hope for unheard voices and silent pleas.

CayCay Godwin March 30, 2026 at 11:42 AM Oh, the drama that, I fear, is factual dysfunction somewhere on the globe at any given time. Dramatic, indeed and chilling, you told a story that held interest and then infected us with horror and did an excellent job doing so.

Anne Winter March 30, 2026 at 5:09 AM Dear Victor, a really sad poem. It's really heartbreaking.

Sara Kendrick March 30, 2026 at 4:18 AM This is still happening in a modern world when humans are supposed to be more intelligent, informed in these matters, and know that is not what should be done. So sad that I wanted to cry with the child and wrap my arms around and pull her close even if he would kill me. Thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K

Karen Jones March 30, 2026 at 2:23 AM An engaging important piece evoking empathy and sympathetic sighs. Your insight has shed light and given voice to the voiceless that perhaps they are not alone in these experiences. Well done.

Ghairo Daniels March 30, 2026 at 2:04 AM ThkU for sharing this, Victor. You’ve articulated what many experience & don’t voice. It is time to voice these shadows, to assist humans out of stupors. Your clear style of writing brings home the message powerfully. Well done, Sir Poet. X.