Silent One Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

For Constance La France's Sanctuary, Soft, Stir, Surreal words poetry contest.

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages or victims of kidnapping develop positive feelings, empathy, or even affection towards their captors. This syndrome often arises in situations where the victim is isolated, threatened, and dependent on the captor for basic needs and survival. Over time, the victim may begin to identify with the captor, rationalize their behavior, and even defend them.

The term "Stockholm syndrome" originated from a bank robbery that occurred in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973. During the ordeal, hostages formed emotional bonds with the robbers and resisted rescue attempts by the police.

This syndrome is a complex psychological response to trauma and captivity and is not limited to hostage situations. It can also occur in cases of domestic abuse, cults, or other situations where victims feel trapped and powerless.

 

 

Sanctuary

“In situations of captivity the perpetrator becomes the most powerful person in the life of the victim, and the psychology of the victim is shaped by the actions and beliefs of the perpetrator.”
? Judith Lewis Herman, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror

Egotists are an enemy to an empathetic butterfly.  
When your life functions like a cognitive chrysalis, 
narcissistic spiders silently creep and crawl,
sucking at the sanity of your fractured cocoon, 
wrapping their beastly venomous black legs,
around a trapped heart, weaving their conceited web.

This mutating sanctuary is a double edged sword.
Even when the door to your cage is open,
idle wings remain motionless - reluctant to fly.
When the pupal mind is frozen at a larval stage,
caught between the confusion of love and hate,
conscience speculates over being a victim or a villain.

Thoughts linger in constant conflict with subdued soul,
torturing the heart, so incarcerated wings remain stagnant. 
Afraid of avian predators - too anxious to escape their tormentor,
you become a willing martyr, sympathising with the abuser.
The pain may be palpable, but their atrocities are forgiven,
so you remain stranded from their manipulative deceit.
Forming an emotional bond in a savage cycle.

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Constance La France March 8, 2024 at 9:11 AM Silent, you have penned a wonderful poem for my contest, congratulations on your win, blessings, Constance

Paula Goldsmith March 7, 2024 at 12:16 PM Congratulations on your win. I loved reading your powerful "Sanctuary" write. Thanks for adding the information. I have never heard about the Stockholm syndrome. It was nice to learn something new... Have a great day with your wonderful win..................

Ink Empress March 3, 2024 at 5:26 AM Ive always wanted to write on this, stockholm syndrome, i know so many with this condition but arent aware that they do . Your way with writing on any subject that needs awareness is beyond impeccable! How unique and how your quill has a purpose leaving a versatile fragrance is what makes you stand out and you, my inspiration for poetry. Its nit easy to break free from certain chains of abuse, and its even sad when the individuals affected happen to have empathy for the ones that torment them Ink Empress March 3, 2024 at 5:27 AM Exactly how it is youv states throughout especially “ Afraid of avian predators - too anxious to escape their tormentor, you become a willing martyr, sympathising with the abuser. The pain may be palpable, but their atrocities are forgiven,” well said! Couldnt have described it any better! I felt this one! Pleasure reading your work always

Brenda Chiri March 2, 2024 at 9:32 PM Damn lol I knew I shouldn’t enter this contest! But hey what did I expect if you entered I was doomed! Loved the poem! Magical like always :)

Valsa George March 2, 2024 at 7:37 PM I must say that you have made an in-depth study of the human psyche. I haven't heard of Stockholm Syndrome. This is something very informative. How the human mind adopts different mechanisms to cope with stress and suffering in different ways... some without knowing become 'double-edged swords'. The image of the fly trapped in spider's web is so suggestive. Once twirled around by the malicious yarns, there is no escape. "his mutating sanctuary is a double edged sword. Even when the door to your cage is open, idle wings remain motionless - reluctant to fly." What a powerful observation and what a unique take on the subject. Thanks for sharing dear Silent One.

Bill Baker March 2, 2024 at 5:45 PM Once again, your info in the introduction is enlightening to those of us not aware at a deeper level about some of these things. Your poetry was your usual outstanding work of art. You are blessed with a gift and your share it with us through your poetry and mindful heart. Thank you, my friend, and good luck in the contest! Bill

Sotto Poet March 2, 2024 at 4:40 PM Your chosen theme surpasses all others, dear friend, SO exhibiting a profound ability to delve into the intricate workings of the human psyche. It is truly enlightening to witness your splendid portrayal of the complex dynamics between the abused and the abuser. The raw truth presented in this poem is deeply unsettling, evoking intense emotional turmoil. Your writing, Silent One, is nothing short of exceptional. May you receive the utmost success in the contest.

Kim Rodrigues March 2, 2024 at 11:26 AM Perhaps many of us participate in this cycle to a point. The egotist needs compassion, unwarranted. Great and worthy write, dear one!

Duke Beaufort March 2, 2024 at 8:04 AM Silent One, you provide a deeply troubling and powerful explanation of this syndrome. For those of us who have been exposed to any kind of abuse, it provides a lot of insight as to what may have happened to us. Even if a small part of this applies, it is truly terrible.

Vijay Pandit March 2, 2024 at 7:38 AM Your theme is so much more powerful than the other I have read for this contest. Quite illuminating to peek into human psyche as you have splendidly done, my friend. So sad--the story of the abused and the abuser.