In Silence

Not sure when it started at 6 staying
out of a brutally violent household
taking to the unforgiving streets.

The streets became my teacher and
family albeit dangerous life lessons
learned from a merciless source.

Spiritual and corporal sorrow from father’s
beatings, his cruel degradation too much to 
bear, as everyone stood by watching me bleed.

At 13, befriending teens from troubled homes, drugs 
numbing the pain, leading to ingestion to dangerous 
narcotics, a perilous escape, always got away.

Running the streets with pretty young broken girls; 
Waving down guy’s cars, thrill seeking, I guess,
our risky behaviors always abetting trouble.

Working excessive overtime as legal secretary on 
subways late nights, sexually assaulted, threats 
shouted by strangers, incessant danger lingers.

Hanging out in nightclubs, as a melancholic outcast 
dating depraved men with no regard for human life, 
defeated, unable to break free, bound by fear.

Running like a wounded animal, steel trap rapt around me
as I bleed out, while others transgress moral law by
feverishly striking me down; an already wounded soul.

Years of starving myself, must stay pretty to
Keep up façade for the ruthlessly judgmental.

Never intentionally, but perhaps subconsciously
continuing in this path of inevitable destruction.

Today, realizing my son needs me more than ever, as he 
suffers anguish from life’s severity against the meek, 
imploring God save me so I can be his ardent advocate. 

I plead to GOD for protection of my soft-hearted son, 
when I leave this tortured life that devastated my 
spirit.  I pray for mercy In Silence!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Sidwell Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I appreciate this very brave and powerful piece and applaud you for writing it. Well written!
Perna Avatar
August 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Thank you so very much.
DiMino Avatar
August 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
May God bless and protect you, ease your anguish, and speed to your aid. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessings my friend. Wishing you the best. Incidentally, great, honest writing. A fine poetic work. Sometimes, pain and suffering is necessarily for deeper soul expression. Experience my teacher as well.
M  Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Wow Diane what powerful write. Life hasn't been easy for you at all and you have suffered a lot and l am sorry about that as it isn't fair at all. Take care of yourself and your son…..he is your reason ! Cuddles…Debx
Perna Avatar
August 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Thank you for your kind words. I sent to your e-mail by accident. I appreciate you.
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