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If Ever You Loved

If ever you loved… You would see the hurt behind my eyes, your heart would soften at the sound of my cries If ever I knew love, I would know it doesn't have to hurt; that I should not always your temper have to avert With an enemy's force your affection is shown; with a battered innocence I remain for the unknown If ever you loved, before you a treasure you would see If ever I knew love, I’d know that it wasn’t each time you hit me

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Bill Baker

Date: 7/23/2025 6:28:00 PM

Meaningful poetry, FJ. It is sad so many women know only abuse as love. Bill

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 7/22/2025 2:44:00 PM

Oh Flo, this is heart breaking, no one should ever take that kind of abuse, love isn't hitting, its saving !! Saving and caring and taking care of and protecting. Wish more women knew that .

Joseph May

Date: 7/22/2025 11:10:00 AM

Hello Flo, good to hear from you, Your poem tells a story of the abuse that so many women suffer., and who are seeking to be free from their abuser Thanks for sharing

Paul Bell

Date: 7/21/2025 12:34:00 PM

Funny how they love you, after they hit you, and it will never happen again. Sadly, it happens again, and again.

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/22/2025 7:41:00 AM

True words Paul. If you don't when it starts, it's unlikely you will leave when it continues.

White Wolf

Date: 6/2/2025 7:30:00 PM

OOoh, this is a signature poem of yours. Loved every word. <3

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:36:00 PM

Hey there Rick, thanks. Hope things have been peaceful on your end.

Pace Ink-U-Script

Date: 5/8/2025 1:22:00 PM

The raw emotions expressed here is incredible…I’ve always been a fan!!!

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:34:00 PM

Well isn't this a pleasant surprise. It's nice to 'see' you G; hopefully it will be more often. Thanks G :)

Terry Miller

Date: 3/18/2025 3:01:00 AM

Powerful stuff, brave writing, congratulations

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:27:00 PM

Good evening Terry, and thank you.

Ink Empress

Date: 3/17/2025 9:57:00 PM

Dear FJ, this poem hits so strong and is soul stirring, and it is as if i hear and feel the voice of a grieving soul that is healing from abuse, youv done that in such a soft and delicate manner, giving your poem an evocative touch to it! I felt it as i read " if onlys" but i thought as i read, its better late than never altho havinv to find out the hard way isnt easy, when emotions are involved! Your poem is beautiful and soul stirring! I felt it so deeply! Thank you for joining! Congratulations on your win! Appreciate your support

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:27:00 PM

Empress I appreciate the placement, but I am so very grateful for your heartfelt comment. Thank you I.E.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/17/2025 2:09:00 PM

Excellent verse here . I really like how you expressed the theme of abuse.

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:25:00 PM

Hi Andi, thank you :)

Jan Allison

Date: 3/17/2025 12:03:00 PM

such raw emotions behind the lines Flo - no person should have to endure such abuse.many congrats on your win. hugs jan xx

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:24:00 PM

I very much agree, thank you very much Jan.

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 3/15/2025 4:22:00 AM

Excellently penned FJ, with good rhyme and flow with nice imagery too. Blessings,Gordon

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 7:24:00 PM

Hello Gordon, thank you very much.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/5/2025 5:13:00 AM

Dear FJ, Wow, your poem is raw, powerful, and deeply moving. I felt the pain and longing written into your words cut straight to the heart. What a brave, poignant piece that speaks volumes. Thank you for sharing such deep emotions! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:41:00 AM

Thank you Daniel, it is a situation/subject to which far too many turn a blind eye.

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 3/5/2025 3:39:00 AM

how nice to see you at my page, and back posting again! this is a good entry for the contest - many of us have experience of this, sadly

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:33:00 AM

Thank you Charlotte, it is nice to 'see' you. I appreciate you visiting :)

Oliver Mckeithan

Date: 3/4/2025 6:40:00 PM

Powerful poem. It takes courage to write a poem like this. I know the feeling as I grew up in a violent home. Well written for a very difficult topic.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:31:00 AM

It seems many of us experienced abuse in some form, so very upsetting how prevalent it was/is. Thank you Oliver

Frederic Parker

Date: 3/4/2025 4:03:00 PM

Something I saw my father do to my mother, until my older brother, who was 10 years older than me, grabbed my dad and told him he would kill him if he ever did it again

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:29:00 AM

I am sorry you suffered Frederic, but glad she had some one to stand up for her. Thank you Frederic

Paul Callus

Date: 3/4/2025 1:34:00 PM

I am touched by this poem which, unfortunately, touches on a subject that many, mostly women, have to endure. How can a person show love by being abusive!! Love & Abuse are poles apart. A pity that not all find the strength to exit the relationship. ~ Best regards dear friend Flo // paul

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:19:00 AM

Your analogy of opposite poles is quite fitting Paul, in more way than one. Thank you :)

Lin Lane

Date: 3/4/2025 1:20:00 PM

Spousal abuse is one of the most tragic. You did an excellent job of portraying it in your lines, Flo.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 11:17:00 AM

It really is Lin, thank you.