Footprints On Her Back

She held them tightly trying not to cry out with the pain as the door opened. A large woman bearing an almost visible authoritarian streak exploded through the door filling the white sterile looking room with her presence. In a deep manly voice that matched her size, she told them the time was over.  They had to go… The children cried as she placed her hand on their shoulders and pulled at them with as much compassion as one swatting a fly or stamping on a snail leaving its silver trail over an immaculate looking flower border.

joined with old bruises
footprints on her naked back…
two children still cry

The cries lingered in the corridor as the doctor showed the plain clothed policewoman into the secure white room. The photographer followed carrying equipment strapped to his body like a solider in full battledress. Pictures were taken of the once slim beautiful, now battered girl who had two beautiful children that were now in care while she was paraded before strangers with a camera before the healing could start from the stamping given as a parting gift by her new ex boyfriend.

© ~GG~ 23/01/2013
Competition Entry: Mixing it up
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
February 10, 2013 at 2:32 PM
Very emotive work for the contest entry..Congrats on your win.Sara
A   Avatar
February 7, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Mandy, Congratulations on your winning "mixed up poem." Have yourself a nice day~ :-) xox~PD
Squyres Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 11:24 AM
Your treatment of this heartbreaking story was tender. Compasion felt throughout. Your haiku, so cleverly written fits in well. Congrats on your winning spot !!
Horsman Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 4:46 AM
another winner from your wonderful pen, Golden Girl...a fav of mine...
Arowolo Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Congratulations on your win in this interesting contest,great pal.Nice to read your haibun...XOXO....
Roberts Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 8:35 PM
well done Mandy.....Seren
May Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 7:49 PM
powerful write Mandy...congrats on your win
Guzzi Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 6:58 PM
You go Goldie, great job with almost an impossible subject to do in a haiku! Congrad's on your win Light & Love
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 3:59 AM
Ha you should have told me it was a winter one lol, thanks Debs xx
Gildersleeve Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 6:36 PM
Congrats Mandy on your well deserved win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 4:43 PM
Sad tale very effectively told! Congrats on win.
Dietrich Avatar
January 23, 2013 at 4:37 PM
wow, this one is intense. A sad one but I really enjoyed this entry!!
Guzzi Avatar
January 23, 2013 at 2:55 PM
soup mail Light & Love
Roberts Avatar
January 23, 2013 at 8:25 AM
Mandy thumbs up on this one hun.....Seren
Horsman Avatar
January 23, 2013 at 3:54 AM
Bloody hell Mandy this is so profound, with such awesome visual attributes that flow from every pensive word.. yet the story the poetry told is amazing...
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