New Life

As I sit in the sunny alcove of my new house
I hear a sound, a scratch, maybe a mouse?

My coffee break over, I continue to unpack
And I feel the slight touch like a breeze on my back.

The hair on my neck begins to stand up,
And I silently rise and begin to back up

Could this place be haunted?
I laugh, and undaunted

Continue to unpack items of clothing
And get to the box that I have been loathing

To open, for the memories are raw
Of a hostile abuser, and I begin to withdraw

Feeling that feeling again
And something within

Tells me I am not alone.
I begin to moan

As a shadow engulfs me.
Oh, no, it can’t be!

His hands on my neck, I struggle for breath
As slowly my new life concludes with my death.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Agustin Avatar
August 7, 2021 at 3:38 AM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. (It's my prayer this is fiction...) God bless you.
Craddick Avatar
August 7, 2021 at 8:08 AM
Beata, it is fiction, but it is based on the life of a friend who literally escaped a bad situation by crawling through a bathroom window with her young daughter. She has met and married a wonderful man, but trauma like that is forever.Thank you for commeting.
Fenn Avatar
August 6, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Wow Linda! What a scary twist, which is all too common for battered women. I’m glad you used this contest to bring awareness of their situations. Congrats and it’s an honor to be on the podium with you.
Canerdy Avatar
August 6, 2021 at 6:34 AM
Linda, a big CONGRATS on your well-deserved win! Janice
Craddick Avatar
August 6, 2021 at 9:02 AM
Thank you!
Makama Avatar
August 6, 2021 at 5:42 AM
A big big congratulations to you. Thank you so much for submitting this wonderful piece for my contest. I feel so honoured reading this. Have a lovely day.
Craddick Avatar
August 6, 2021 at 9:02 AM
Thank you for the opportunity!
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