Tom Quigley Poet Sonnet

Mom's Boyfriend

I smile and shake your hand, dear Sir
It’s just a part of my profession’s code
I’d rather pound you down, you worthless cur
Even the kindest of us could explode

“Suspected Non-Accidental Trauma”
So says the overcautious rhetoric
Traumatized terror of baby’s mama
Plastic smile hides a wide-eyed lunatic 

I will take amazing care of her child,
Father protector flaming in full force
But don't mistake my demeanor for mild,
Recognize the obligatory farce

The neurosurgeon will save her son’s brain
If only your hard heart could hear his pain


4/7/16

For contest: It Shouldn’t Hurt to Be a Child
Sponsor: Becca Tegan

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Andrea Dietrich June 11, 2016 at 8:13 PM wow, this is very good writing, Tom. So sad too. A good example for your Animus Contest. And I see this took a win in a contest, so Congrats for that. Tom Quigley June 11, 2016 at 9:07 PM Thanks, Andrea! One of the toughest parts of my job...

Beautiful Scars May 18, 2016 at 9:14 PM Tom, congrats on your placement and this is a great example for your contest. Thank you for sharing! :)-luloo Tom Quigley May 18, 2016 at 9:41 PM Thank you, Laura!

Poet Destroyer A April 14, 2016 at 10:04 PM Tom,, congratulations on the honorable mention of your poem. Linda Tom Quigley April 18, 2016 at 10:29 AM Thanks, Linda!

Charmaine Chircop April 9, 2016 at 4:56 PM Heartfelt indeed...The last two lines are killer lines.....How sad and disturbed the life of a child exposed to abuse can be >> Charma. Tom Quigley April 10, 2016 at 6:34 AM It's a window into some serious awfulness. Thanks for reading!

Jessica Rogers April 7, 2016 at 1:03 PM How hard it must be to smile and be professional when in front of the one who causes the pain. It takes a very special person to help the truly "sick" people. Bravo. Tom Quigley April 7, 2016 at 10:04 PM Thank you. By the time I meet the kid/victim, any proven abuser is in the slammer. But it's hard to prove and easy enough to figure out.

J. Tudor April 7, 2016 at 12:56 PM These pieces you write through the eyes of your given profession hit so deep and sharp Tom. It must be difficult to maintain your composure at times indeed J. Tom Quigley April 7, 2016 at 10:05 PM Thanks, J! Tough stuff is often the more meaningful stuff.