Innocent Criminal

It isn't easy
leaving everything that you know
behind.
Somedays she wakes up happy
stress-free. 
Then she remembers,
she remembers.

Some say whats in the past should be just that.
The past.
Cuts and bruises go away, says her mom.
But words?
Ha!
Those follow you.
Haunt you.
"Your sister caused all this."
"Your mother is to blame."
Liar.
Nothing has ever been his fault.
Guilt. 
LIES.
Manipulation,
Pain.
She didn't ask for it.
She didn't bring it on herself.
She was just a child.
Still a baby.
7 years old.
People deep down inside knew.
Her sister took a vow of silence 
to protect her baby sibling,
her number one priority.
He is a monster. 
An "Innocent" Criminal.
Master of lying.
Master of manipulation.
No one is safe,
everyone is a victim.

She got away. 
Escaped.
She still feels the need to protect this man.
Yeah, sure cuts and bruises go away.
But words, those are forever.

Innocent Criminal.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Agustin Avatar
May 3, 2024 at 1:12 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed."
A   Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 8:48 PM
Laura,, Enjoyed the way you expressed every line. Please keep writing and sharing your poetry. LOVE LINDA
Carroll Avatar
September 5, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Hi Laura, A well crafted write that tells a turbulent story. Ken
Tacito Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 7:54 AM
A solid balance of prose & free verse here. I like how this read & ended. This is my 1st piece reading of your work, color me impressed. Keep it up & nice to meet you! =D
Manassian Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 7:04 AM
What an amazing and powerful write. Wow. Yes...that kind of baggage gets carried around for life. :( You exposed this abusive behavior of the criminal so well. Great job
Andresen Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 6:49 AM
- Moving ... but well written, Laura! - oxox / / Anne-Lise (welcome to my poems)
Žilic Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 5:09 AM
INNOCENT CRIMINAL PAM PAM PAM. That was the sound in my head while reading this. Storytelling in poetry has it's ups and downs, too much storytelling pushes the poem in the background.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace