Sandra Haight Poet Quatrain

Notes About The Poem

I Did Not Fail

I did not fail in mother's love...
   was always there, I raised him fine.
He never married or left home,
   and all went well for quite some time.

When child and parent are reversed,
   the elder needs care in the end.
The child becomes the parent when
   on him, the parent must depend.

Elder abuse, I know is true...
   for I now sit alone and scared.
My son forgets that I once lived
   his mother's life, so unimpaired.

Confined to home and never out,
   my world is closed, I have no choice;
hair so unkempt and clothes unwashed...
   I sit and stare without a voice.

I  do not dare request a thing...
   his anger chills me to the bone.
I must stay quiet, bare my days
   and live within my safety zone.

I did not fail in mother's love...
   was always there, I raised him fine.
But, never thought that time would form
   this heartless child, now so maligned.


Sandra M. Haight

~6th Place~
Premiere Contest: Through Their Eyes #2  
Sponsor: Shadow Hamilton
Rules: Poems From the Victim's Eyes ~ Fiction
Judged: 08/16/2016
 
"Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Each year, hundreds of thousands of 
adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Elder abuse, 
including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by 1 out of every 10 people, ages 60 
and older, who live at home. This statistic is likely an underestimate because many 
victims are unable or afraid to disclose or report the violence."
 
Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/features/elderabuse/

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Damont Combs August 17, 2016 at 10:49 PM Great job I too know of this topic hit home

Sunita U.D Palawon August 17, 2016 at 10:38 PM So true this message in your poem.In my country we opting early for a home fr old age to escape the wrath of children!! Congrats on your placing...Sunita

Richard Lamoureux August 17, 2016 at 9:15 AM An important topic well expressed. Congrats.

Kim Rodrigues August 17, 2016 at 7:37 AM Such a sad write! So many sad things in life! Congratulations!

Alexis Y. August 16, 2016 at 8:15 PM Hi Sandra, This is so sad but unfortunately this goes all the time. That same person that's committing elder abuse will get old one day. What will they do if the same thing happens to them? Congratulations on your winning write. It was well deserved- Alexis

Daniel Turner August 13, 2016 at 8:29 AM This is so sad but I know it is also so true. It is unfathomable but reality. I'm with Victor here, it is worse than committing murder, the abuse of a parent or any elderly person. You got me fired up on this one Mrs Sandra. You have struck a nerve!