Bernadette Langer Poet Free verse

Naked Dissent

Daddy always kneeled--
but it was Momma who prayed,
as he spread lips that couldn't dissent,
no matter how much they trembled.

She was always naked for him
bleeding babies upon the floor,
while he explored their cradle,
fingering walls absently--
assessing her foundation;

Momma prayed for simple things,
blankets and frigidity--
anything to create separation;

Where naked wouldn't matter
under the cloak of autonomy
and the only grasping thoughts--
would be her own.

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Donna Golden October 11, 2009 at 10:17 PM Heartbreaking piece, Bernadette...and that is why it is important. Congratulations on being honored for this piece. Hugs, Donna

James Peranteau June 6, 2009 at 9:38 AM Congrats Poet ! great write ! james

Debbie Guzzi June 4, 2009 at 1:55 PM such a telling raw work, so purging, a wonderful insightful write. Light & Love

Vince Suzadail Jr. June 2, 2009 at 3:59 PM Congrats Bernadette. God Bless. Vince

Justin Hensley June 2, 2009 at 2:55 PM Congratulations on your featured poem this week! Great write!

Anthony Nutter June 2, 2009 at 12:15 PM Chilling well written poem. Congratulations on the win.

Orma Sullivan June 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM What a profound poem. Congratulations on your win. All best, Orma

Carol Sunshine Brown June 1, 2009 at 7:11 AM Congratulations on your win Bernadette. Love, Carol

Sharon Winter June 1, 2009 at 3:53 AM Incredible writing! Warmest congrats on your awesome and well deserved win. Love, Shar

Ernilando Tugaff June 1, 2009 at 12:42 AM Very inspiring and wonderful poem, deserving to be featured. Ernilando

Sue Mason May 31, 2009 at 10:05 PM Awesome write here, Bernadette! Speaks a powerful message for all women and a wonderful tribute to your mother! Congratulations on your win and I look forward to reading more of your writing soon!

May 31, 2009 at 12:33 PM Congratulations on your third place finish in the contest. Enjoy your honor. Keep up the good writing!

Ed Coet May 31, 2009 at 11:55 AM I offer my hearty congratulations, along with many others, for this significant win in the midst of great competition. Your poem is truly deserving of this top three finish. -ED-

Joseph Spence Sr May 31, 2009 at 11:51 AM The images are very touching. I like the message in this excellent poem. Great job! ~Joseph

Adeleke Adeite May 31, 2009 at 9:23 AM My warmest congratulations to you dear on your awesome third placement… you are such a wonderful writer… please let your poetry pen keep dancing to the drum beat of your passions and poetrysoup-land. You are great. leke

James Fraser May 31, 2009 at 6:56 AM Congratulations on your 3rd placing, excellent poem>James

Carrie Richards May 31, 2009 at 6:34 AM Outstanding work ! Congratulations, Bernadette!!

Janice Scott May 31, 2009 at 5:15 AM Congratulations on the win Bernadette! Well deserved!

Rhonda Hero Aka Hero-Wilson May 31, 2009 at 3:37 AM Congratulations!-THE KEEPER

Syed Amaan Ahmad May 31, 2009 at 2:36 AM Congrats!!!!

Ernesto P. Santiago May 31, 2009 at 12:54 AM Congrats to you, Bernadette, on your success 3rd place in PS contest, well done! Ernesto

Michael Jordan May 30, 2009 at 11:01 PM Bernadette congratulations on placing third in the soup contest, way to go - God Bless, MJ

Raul Moreno May 3, 2009 at 5:55 PM Bernadette, my belated congrats in making the semi finals...Raul

Carol Sunshine Brown April 28, 2009 at 5:59 AM Congratulations on your poetry making it into the semi finals. Wishing you the best of luck in the finals. Love, Carol

Amy Swanson February 17, 2009 at 1:31 PM Very deep and a bit haunting... I enjoyed reading this beautiful write. The last stanza is powerful, really brings it home. Congrats on being featured this week. :) Love, Amy

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