Mike Gentile Poet Free verse

Hot Water Burned

He came in,
     Drunk again
He knocked the teacup from my hand
I was ten
Hot water burned
As he yelled,
I thought I told you to go to bed,
Warm tears fell

My mother called out
     Leave him alone
He grabbed her by the hair
I could hear my mama moan

Helpless I felt
     How to get away
Please don’t hurt my mother
That’s all I could say

Living in fear was a regular thing
In those days as a child
                      Who had not yet learned
Though I can forgive, I can never forget
How many times,
                          The hot water burned

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Connie Marcum Wong January 24, 2018 at 1:47 PM Mike, your poem touches the hearts of many. I truly understand the depth of your pain and fear. I had an alcoholic step father in my youth. This poem has such poignant and profound insight into the realities of living with this terrible disease. I believe it is cathartic to release some of the pain with a pen. Blessings, Connie xxoo Mike Gentile January 24, 2018 at 2:15 PM Thank you so much, Connie, I do believe it helps and when others share similar experiences, it helps even more xxoo

Susan Ashley January 22, 2018 at 8:47 PM Mike, this poem weeps of your sadness and your poetic words put me there, when you were ten years old, and I see your fearful and hurt expression on your child's face, I feel your sadness and pain on my skin, and deeper into my heart and soul. I so sorry you suffered at the hands of your father.. Warmest wishes ~Susan Mike Gentile January 23, 2018 at 8:58 AM Thank you Susan for your empathy and your kind comments! Happy Tuesday xxoo

Silent One January 22, 2018 at 1:59 PM No child should have to suffer from this my friend, so sorry you had to go through this.. Sorry for your expereince, this is a sad poem.. Mike Gentile January 22, 2018 at 2:26 PM Thank you, Silent One ...

Vijay Pandit January 22, 2018 at 1:02 PM Your poem brought me to tears Mike..the portrait you painted is so real, it tugs the heart. It's even more painful to know that it is not fiction...written with impact. Mike Gentile January 22, 2018 at 1:22 PM Thanks Vijay, I appreciate you words. Something stirred this up over the weekend, probably something I saw on TV, I hadn't thought of this in quite a long time!

Heidi Sands January 22, 2018 at 11:11 AM A powerful reaching poem Mike. All too many go through things like this. The painful memories remain. Very well expressed ! Mike Gentile January 22, 2018 at 12:53 PM Thank you so much, Heidi. I'm not sure why that memory emerged over the weekend but I guess, it is always there somewhere! Happy Monday!! xxoo

Kim Rodrigues January 22, 2018 at 10:39 AM Evokes much emotion. An adult can sometimes forgivebut the child always feels the burn. Well written, my friend! Mike Gentile January 22, 2018 at 11:05 AM Thanks Kim xxoo

Arturo Michael January 22, 2018 at 10:26 AM Life is not easy...no wonder so many children are hurt forever...A very conscious poem...and message too... Mike Gentile January 22, 2018 at 11:05 AM Thank you Arturo !!!