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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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Eileen Manassian Date: 7/26/2025 6:55:00 AM Oh this cuts deep... so very deep, FJ. My heart goes out to all who suffer this kind of abuse. I've missed you. I'm only now struggling to get back to posting regularly. I've had an awful time. Let's both try to reconnect. Sending you love. Login to Reply

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 Login to Reply

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 . Login to Reply

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 Login to Reply

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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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!!! Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply FJ Thomas Date: 3/5/2025 11:17:00 AM It really is Lin, thank you.