Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Life Surfaces

restless contemplation
girl sits on a swing
her gaze fixed
comely, resolute
formatting future

she pumps the air
full swing propulsion 
leans back, legs outstretched 
long hair snakes the ground
body pushing harder, higher
wanting feet to bleed the clouds
       like magic happening
to soar out of grimy
to tuck into the sky's release

to slip from the brute inside
his slab of words and deeds
who taunts, "You're just a girl!"
        as he covers her mouth with his hand

she wants to jump off
better not
the gravel wounds
she skids to a stop

a small life wedged into cracks
sullen glances
       at horizons dislocated
rummaging thoughts
to step out of drowning
       hoping her tide leaves no traces

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Paula Goldsmith May 16, 2024 at 9:29 AM Congratulation on your win. What a powerful "Life Surfaces" write/ending. Life comes with pain... Have A Blessed Day Writing Away............. Brian Sambourne May 16, 2024 at 11:34 AM Hi Paula, Thank you for your stop by + comment. This is the first bit of recognition that poem has ever received. Despite the Me Too movement + the coverage of women abused (media highlighted) my poem on the subject garners scant approval. Hence your congratulatory message is much appreciated. Be well. Enjoy the spring. Brian

Charles Messina January 20, 2022 at 9:55 AM Brian, I don't know why or nor can I contemplate the reasons why this received N/A's in recent contests. IMO It should have won the top trophy...in both contests and like Erik suggests...POTD. Although the girl on the swing did survive, we all know that the abuse she obtained will live inside her forever. Thanks for sharing...stay well & healthy. Charlie Brian Sambourne January 20, 2022 at 10:44 AM Thanks very much for your affirmative note, Charles. To me, the piece is one of my better postings, however, the topic disturbed evaluators + so hit dead ends. Your generous words are much appreciated. Brian

Eric Cohen April 28, 2021 at 1:59 PM Very powerful and inspired. Should be a POTD. Brian Sambourne April 28, 2021 at 4:04 PM Hello Eric, I value your positive take on my poem. Your portfolio on this site is impressive. "Life Surfaces" is one of my few pieces that I haven't fully revised. Thank you for your uplifting remarks. Cheers, Brian

Sara Kendrick March 15, 2021 at 6:59 AM Sad that this happens in life but it does. I can't imagine living with a father/step-father who would use a girl's femininity to put her down and his strength to hurt or punish her or even rape her. Thanks for your visit to my page. Sara Brian Sambourne March 15, 2021 at 8:55 AM Hi Sarah, Yes abuse of girls + women is a societal tragedy. I knew the poem would not place in contests given the subject matter. However, 1 in 3 women state harassment/abuse in their lives - hence my poem. My mother suffered abuse + so that too was a factor in writing. Thank you for your visit + remarks. Best wishes, Brian

Victor Buhagiar March 12, 2021 at 6:35 AM The way I see it she escaped suicide. But I may be wrong. Brian Sambourne March 12, 2021 at 6:43 AM Hello Victor, Thanks for your message. You are correct. The girl (swinging) does contemplate ways out of her predicament. Escape is pathway freedom. (The title suggests survival as well). The poem received a contest NA recently, so its messages on abuse + escape may receive little exposure. I appreciate your drop by. Best wishes, Brian