Epitaph of the Abused

Amidst the cruel claws of doubt
I plunged disastrously without
Your helping hand, your soothing voice,
In spite of how you had the choice;
You've purchased now my dying breath
Through willed abuse, my cause of death. 


Such shrewd abuse, the form of which
Is crude neglect and wicked word
The currency that made you rich
And turmoil that within me stirred.

Like putting out a fire by
Pretending that it isn't there,
Or heartening me as I cry
By gifting me an empty stare.

Like making my body hurt less
By handing me a pack of smokes.
In order to relieve my stress,
Lobotomize me as I choke.

The torment you've engraved in me
Through harsh, relentless, cold abuse
Does prompt one thought, that death is glee,
To which I offer no excuse.

Such cold abuse, such cold abuse
That racks my frame, my mind, my soul.
Like reassuring a recluse
By not talking to him at all.

Like swindling your warmth from me
By giving it to someone else
And forcing me to sit and see
While ice around me slowly melts.

Like lying in a manner bland
About the bullet you would take,
So that I wouldn't think "to hand
The gun to you is a mistake."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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artlyy Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 10:39 AM
I've really been enjoying your poem and the emotions and imagery were so vivid that i could easily picture them as beautiful illustration. I'm a commission-based manga/webtoon artist, and I'd love to help bring your story to life if you're ever interested. Feel free to reach out at gm@il : akiracomicart2@ or on inst@ akiraa_artly
Agustin Avatar
April 5, 2024 at 4:42 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Brown Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through round one in the PoetrySoup International Poetry contest Gael. I wish you the best in the final round. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 7:52 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved feature this week Gael. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
May 30, 2011 at 6:46 PM
Congratulations on your poem being featured this week, Gael
A   Avatar
May 29, 2011 at 5:11 PM
Gael~ Congratulations on your featured poem of the week.. Nice to stop by and check out all featured poem. Have a wonderful day~always,..p.d.
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Enjoyed reading your outstanding poetry this morning Gael. May you have a beautiful week of good health, love and baskets overflowing with inspiration. Love, Carol
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