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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

Date: 5/16/2024 9:29:00 AM

Congratulation on your win. What a powerful "Life Surfaces" write/ending. Life comes with pain... Have A Blessed Day Writing Away.............

Brian Sambourne
Date: 5/16/2024 11:34:00 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

Date: 1/20/2022 9:55:00 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
Date: 1/20/2022 10:44:00 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

Date: 4/28/2021 1:59:00 PM

Very powerful and inspired. Should be a POTD.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 4/28/2021 4:04:00 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

Date: 3/15/2021 6:59:00 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
Date: 3/15/2021 8:55:00 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

Date: 3/12/2021 6:35:00 AM

The way I see it she escaped suicide. But I may be wrong.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/12/2021 6:43:00 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