Home » Poems » Caryl Muzzey » Rape Is Not Love

Rape Is Not Love

Love that is taken for one selfish goal
can never be true as far as I know.
Rape took the soul of a sister and friend
ravishing her frail spirit to a bitter end.

At sixteen she went on a blind first date
she knew not of her destiny or her fate.
She met with a soldier of the army corps
this was the time during Vietnam War.

He crushed her will with the slap of his fist
took her by force as she tried to resist.
Her screams were stifled and never heeded
within her body he forcibly seeded.

She remained quite not saying a word
until life inside her finally stirred.
Fearful our parents would be upset
she ran away with a friend to forget.

I eventually told what she had done
why she ran away and was on the run.
City law was called for her safe return
found her kidnapped as we later did learn.

As months went by, she grew in girth
sent to a home where she gave birth.
A son was born to her in September
he looked just like her as I remember.

She could not keep him so gave him away
and longs for him still to this very day.
He resides in her heart, a haunting emotion
and forever there will be, a true devotion.

Copyright © 2011 By Caryl S. Muzzey

Fourth Place Winner ~ "I'm Pregnant" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Gwendolen Rix
June. 6, 2011

A longitudinal study in the United States of over 4,000 women 
followed for 3 years found that the national rape related pregnancy 
rate was 5.0% per rape among victims aged 12–45 years, 
producing over 32,000 pregnancies nationally among women 
from rape each year.

My younger sister was a victim of rape which she never reported.
No one in the family knew it for many years.  I have a nephew
I will never know or see and she has mental issues that she has a 
hard time dealing with.  Back then unwed pregnancies were taboo.

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Gwendolen Song

Date: 8/21/2011 1:42:00 PM

Caryl, This write inspired by personal events is so motive. I want to congratulate you for this award-winning piece. The longitudinal study you posted is evidence that we have some serious societal issues that leave multiple victims-the mothers and their babies. Makes my heart pause and wonder what has happened to all these victims... Best 2 u, Caryl. Gwendolen

Elizabeth Wesley

Date: 6/25/2011 10:46:00 AM

What a tragic story that reaps so much sorrow. Bless you for writing.

Nothing Specail

Date: 6/1/2011 10:14:00 PM

What a beautiful piece you have writed formed from the something so tragic. It's sad, yes, but your poem is incredible.

Wilma Neels

Date: 5/15/2011 8:38:00 AM

A sad write and what makes it even worse is that your sister had to go through this Caryl.. One incident that changed so many lives, so many heartaches.. Good luck for the contest with this beautiful write, thank goodness times has changed even though rape is still prevalent in all societies..

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 5/12/2011 8:48:00 AM

What a terrifying experience for your sister, Caryl. How sad that your sister gave away the baby and now lives with the regret. Times have changed and births outside marriage are more common and accepted than they were during the Vietnam war era. Incredible entry for Gwendolen's contest. Wishin you success! Love, Carolyn

Linda-Marie Sweetheart

Date: 5/12/2011 8:30:00 AM

Such a sad situatiion Caryl.. so sorry this happened to one so dear to u ..the lasting effects of rape are so emotional in ways much adjustment is needed my friend.. a tragedy for one so young..excellent expressions of this ugly event.. nicely penned with taste luv..