Sacrifice

She sacrifices herself,
on an altar of secrecy.
Leaving the best of her,
on the cold stone of iniquity!

Hidden behind a smile of "I'm okay",
she says she can't remember yesterday.
Yet those scars on her bitten lip,
have a different message to say.

She shuns her femininity,
the reminder of her misery.
Locked within an artist's mind,
freedom exchanged for insanity!

St. Peter offers some treasured relief.
Yet in her mind she's trapped underneath,
the weight of a man now dead and gone.
Ensnared within her forgiveness belief!


Time doesn't heal,
because she never reaches out.
Frustration expressed, in each strangled shout.
Clinging to the fragments she never talks about.

Pieces of evidence are everywhere,
top to neck clothing and short cut hair.
That once carefree girl who is no longer there.
Now she adheres to rules of right and fair.

Cracking jagged shards bottled up inside. 
She doesn't believe her broken needs repair,
sometimes the victim is sadly unaware.
So she occupies the shadow lands of being scared,
relief is elusive for her thoughts remain unshared.

Her a silent prisoner with soul insnared,
sacrificed by a monster who pretended he cared!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Gulley Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 11:42 AM
This is a wonderful write, Richard and for some,so true in this life. A fantastic write here even though sad. A 7 for me.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 22, 2025 at 7:03 AM
So sorry I’m responding ten years late. Thanks for your kind comment.
Nunez Avatar
April 6, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Another well thought-out, sensitive write from you, Richard. The image is of someone we see around us. 7 as always. Kim :)
Lamoureux Avatar
October 22, 2025 at 7:03 AM
You are kind. So sorry I missed this comment 10 years ago.
Reams Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 7:37 PM
What a sad but wonderful write Richard! A 7... from me. I love the last line it sums it all up.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 1:43 PM
Thanks so much Tammy!
Hunjeri Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 6:22 PM
Its so weird but for some reason I felt like you were talking of someone I know. My favorite lines "So she occupies the shadow lands of being scared, relief is elusive for her thoughts remain unshared". Be blessed
Lamoureux Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 6:33 PM
Sadly this s tale is all to common. Thanks for the blessing. Hugs Rick.
Sirak Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 8:23 AM
Wow! Some events leave scar tissue that just builds and builds. Well told.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 9:25 AM
Thanks Monterey.
Lampton Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 7:37 PM
I really like it!! You are such an awesome poet. Honestly I enjoy everything I've read from you.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 2, 2015 at 12:45 AM
What a nice thing to say, thanks so much.
Manassian Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 2:50 PM
WOW! This is very deep, Richard. Read it earlier, but am coming back now to post a comment. Yes, often women sacrifice self for the wellbeing of family. If it is physical abuse, then...that's crossing a line and every woman should seek help. Great write...as always. Very DEEP...and sad. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 5:28 PM
Sometimes by keeping things inside people deny their loved ones the privilege of loving them completly.
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 10:24 AM
A sad story and a common one. The long term effects of abuse are impossible to hide...wonderfully written emotive words...hugs, Rhonda
Lamoureux Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 12:46 PM
Thanks Rhonda, Hugs back to you.
Baumgarn Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 2:12 AM
I enjoyed this poem, Richard, as I used to work with adolescents in alcohol and drug recovery. If you listen to the stories of young guys and girls there are a lot of young ones sacrificed out there. All we can do is be there to talk when they open up. Thanks also for commenting on my first poem in the soup, Cronus. I wrote 3 about the reaper for my brother who loves Sons of Anarchy, LOL. If there is an easier to message you, let me know, OK? all my best Brian
Lamoureux Avatar
April 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM
Soup me any time or comment here, all are good. I volunteer with a homeless mission so I come in contact with all manner of humanity. Each of us is a broken traveler doing the best we can today. Even those we think have it all together have their skeletons. Thanks for commenting Brian. I enjoyed reading your poems this morning.
Bear Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:41 PM
Many secrets that can not be revealed. We all may have them but must learn to live with them and face the world It is a difficult life if that is the case. Hope and Love to all Happy Easter wish we were all with you Love Mom
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:50 PM
Hi Mom, we wish we could be there too. September will be here before we know it. Love Ya.
Chircop Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 4:14 PM
This woman must have had a traumatic past,She tries to forget,hides ,or make peace with it..Hmm the smiles that hide such pain yet the eyes reveal the mystery of a tragedy.A mysterious poem of someone who suffers in silence..Somehow Im thinking rape,but it could be many secrets unrevealed. A lot to ponder about in this poem Rick.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:51 PM
Thanks for the thought filled response Charmaine. Hugs Rick.
La France Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 3:41 PM
Richard, your poem is so heartwrenching and beautifully written, A7 and thanks for visiting my poetry . . .
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:51 PM
Thanks Constance. I also precise the 7.
Hopper Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 3:09 PM
Omg! This is my favorite poem thus far! Excellent work! Ahh, I love it! 7!!!
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:52 PM
Thanks for the enthusiastic response Ana.
Andresen Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 2:13 PM
- A deep and powerful poem, Richard - All wounds will give a scar - But there are wounds that can only be repaired by love and care - I wish you a happy Easter :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:53 PM
You as well Anne-Lise, hugs Rick.
Gorelick Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 2:03 PM
I agree, there are some things that time does not heal...a wonderful write...BG
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 7:54 PM
Thanks Barbara, some things need to be exposed to light before there can be healing.
Horton Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 10:35 AM
I love it....I'm so glad that I read this. I love poems like this, the message and everything.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 31, 2015 at 11:21 AM
Thanks Natasha.
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