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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

Date: 1/24/2018 1:47:00 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
Date: 1/24/2018 2:15:00 PM

Thank you so much, Connie, I do believe it helps and when others share similar experiences, it helps even more xxoo

Susan Ashley

Date: 1/22/2018 8:47:00 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
Date: 1/23/2018 8:58:00 AM

Thank you Susan for your empathy and your kind comments! Happy Tuesday xxoo

Silent One

Date: 1/22/2018 1:59:00 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
Date: 1/22/2018 2:26:00 PM

Thank you, Silent One ...

Vijay Pandit

Date: 1/22/2018 1:02:00 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
Date: 1/22/2018 1:22:00 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

Date: 1/22/2018 11:11:00 AM

A powerful reaching poem Mike. All too many go through things like this. The painful memories remain. Very well expressed !

Mike Gentile
Date: 1/22/2018 12:53:00 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

Date: 1/22/2018 10:39:00 AM

Evokes much emotion. An adult can sometimes forgivebut the child always feels the burn. Well written, my friend!

Mike Gentile
Date: 1/22/2018 11:05:00 AM

Thanks Kim xxoo

Arturo Michael

Date: 1/22/2018 10:26:00 AM

Life is not easy...no wonder so many children are hurt forever...A very conscious poem...and message too...

Mike Gentile
Date: 1/22/2018 11:05:00 AM

Thank you Arturo !!!