Silent Inflictions

Childhood is a ship,
preparing to set sail,
but not all harbors are kind

the ocean a mysterious enigma.

Not all inflictions are visible,
some bruises remain invisible.
Not all trauma can be expressed,
so the past is buried - still breathing.

Ghosts resurface, with subtlest of hints.

When we are born,
we are 'freshly decorated' boats.
Preparing to set sail through unknown waters,
longing to venture to foreign shores.

Yet, what is hidden underneath deep ripples,
is not innocent, like my childhood heart -
powerless, helpless, defenseless.

An anthology of a villain and his victims

Sins of my father,
once plagued my mother's tears.
Her anchor became a burden of heavy fears,
so drought, dehydrated her river bed.

To escape constant waves of rage,
my mind set sail to seek safer shores. 
On my boat, I was my own captain.

Steps of thunder, 
followed me through turbulent tides,
yet, spirit found courage to row faster -
to this day, I've never known how.

Maybe, I could not let his blood define me.

I watched, in horror, as his terror,
drowned my petrified siblings -
I wonder, why they did not sail away,
were their anchors, consumed with reality?

When words struck like metaphorical daggers,
sirens of the sea, serenaded with songs of sorrow.
But, my soul knew the sun would offer redemption -
finally unchain me from the darkness of adolescence.

Through passages of life,
what was once a boat in troublesome times,
is now a ship, settled on stable seas.

Example for Inflictions contest.
Silent One
8 August 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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12
Rodrigues Avatar
August 18, 2020 at 6:37 PM
Congratulations on POTD, Silent!
Flaherty Avatar
August 17, 2020 at 4:36 PM
Growth or experience in all its facets Silent One Inflictions of age From a boat to a ship May i ask of you to read my poem Cinderella Bell Ball please S.O would really appreciate your input or viewpoint. Cheers
Neumann Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 1:42 AM
Sounds very much like a true story. We cannot get of our genetic coding, but work on social transmission. In any case, this is very well expressed. Kind wishes, Kai
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:07 AM
It is a true story, normally i do not post such things.. Thank you..
Tor Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 7:27 PM
Heartfelt piece Silent One. Life can sometimes bring hardships that stay with you a lifetime. We adapt and move on. Then we reflect and thank God we got through it. Better days are welcomed. Stay safe my friend...
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:10 AM
Thank you Michael, we need to adapt, a ship has no purpose stuck at shore...
Tshabalala Avatar
August 14, 2020 at 7:08 PM
Settled on stable seas....challenges of life can truly sink one's boat. Only the strong in faith comes out alive. Beautifully poem Silent one...yet not silent
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:21 AM
You are right.. thank you
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 14, 2020 at 3:11 AM
Excellent poem, SO!! Your poetic anchor is always tethered to deep water Truths of the heart. I adore your graceful sense of prose. An instant fave! May peace and joy rest upon you always.
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:23 AM
Thank you.. glad you liked it.
Horsman Avatar
August 13, 2020 at 8:05 PM
It's powerful poetry S.O, makes one think.
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:23 AM
Thank you..
Babcock Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 4:15 PM
Life is never easy and some have calm waters and some have raging seas to overcome but they do overcome. Deep thoughts and congrats on your poem. love phyl
One Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 5:23 AM
You are right, thank you..
Proxenos Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 7:38 AM
Back with congrats SO, an honor truly deserved for this chosen poem. POTD - enjoy your day! Blessings, Jennifer
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 8:09 AM
Thank you.. Have a great day.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:58 AM
Hope floats! I love this this powerful and poignant piece Silent! Congratulations on your much deserved POTD honors! Blessings xxoo
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Thank you, I hope you are well..
DiMino Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 5:46 AM
This is wonderful writing -- well deserving the honor! I think we are as much the talents that we are born with as well as the parents and environment that raise us. There is no honor nor sin that the world does not share. Great read! Definitely my Fav for the day.
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:50 AM
Thank you Joe.. We cannot be defined by the past, yet trauma can make such an impact on some....
Daniel Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 2:25 AM
Dark, deep and powerful write, SO:) congrats on POTD
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:55 AM
Thank you Jo..
Cunningham Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 2:11 AM
Belated congrats S. O., greetings from Woolacombe bay, waiting for the mist to clear. Tom
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:55 AM
Thank you Tom..
Edmonds  Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 6:32 PM
“Sometimes the water’s too choppy to sail, fear keeps one trapped, desolate, mute and frail. Afraid to speak, nowhere to run to or hide, anxious, dreadful feelings stay put inside.” A wonderful write Silent One. Belle
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:55 AM
That is true and that is what holds some back.. Thank you Belle..
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 4:40 PM
It is not difficult to drown. It is finding that strength. Lovely writ. Congratulations on POTD. xomo!
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:56 AM
That is true.. Thank you..
La France Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 3:38 PM
Silent, congratulations on your POTD _Constance
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:56 AM
Thank you
Riabi Dziri Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 2:50 PM
So happy to be back for sincere regards and congratulations on your POTD honour, Silent One! Well deserved acknowledgement! My warmest wishes and blessings.
One Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 6:58 AM
Thank you
Petals Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 12:37 PM
Truely amazing, 10 out of 10. I love poems like these, where everyone can relate, but it also makes you see the truth from a different angle. My favorite verse was: "Yet, what is hidden underneath deep ripples, is not innocent, like my childhood heart - powerless, helpless, defenseless."
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 2:08 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words...
Wanter Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 10:19 AM
You always write outstanding poetry! Congratulations!
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 2:07 PM
Thank you Sunlite....
Roper Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:31 AM
Wow!" Not all trauma can be expressed, so the past is buried - still breathing." Well said. Poetry Soup doesn't elect who becomes POTD, it is the people that read your work in the moment of the day. No matter it is worth of POTD
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:40 AM
Thank you for you kind words... Maybe the system has changed..
Watt Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 8:45 AM
SO, I'm glad I had a chance to read this today. Very powerful; I'm very moved. I'm reminded of the Elton John bio and how he turned to music as a means to express his turmoil over issues with his father. Love the metaphor of the boat, river, waves, etc., and how it settles into a ship on stable seas. Whether or not you've received recent accolades, this still deserves to be POTD and widely read, do enjoy the honor. This depth of poetry is what we all should be aspiring to. Warmly ~ John
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:25 AM
You are very kind John and I did not know that about Elton John... It's a good thing he turned to music, what a great contribution he has made... I suppose, the message in the poem is important, to try to find safe shores, to help us in life..
Goldsmith Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 8:06 AM
Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! What a story/poem. A Great Write. I love your lines, "Childhood is a ship, preparing to set sail, but not all harbors are kind." So true. Enjoy your win and day..............
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:24 AM
Thank you Paula, childhood plays a big factor in how we develop into adults... I hope everyone finds a safe harbour..
Michael Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 8:05 AM
There's a hot pepper in the soup...many great writes of late...Congratulations SO on POTD...
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:23 AM
Thank you my friend.. Nothing hotter than Caribbean pepper..
Nicole Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 8:01 AM
Reading your thoughts below about this poem of yours being chosen as Poem of the Day. You are humble. Which is truly amazing to me. This poem deserves to shine even more, because you are so modest. Congratulations Silent One. ~ Brandy
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:15 AM
You are very kind and sweet to say that, its always nice when fellow poets gets recognition and have their poems displayed as POTD or POTW... Thank you... Lets hope, we can all find the strength to become ships and sail the stormy seas..
Raven Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 7:22 AM
Hi Silent, there is nothing unfair at this piece being Poem of the day. This piece is so deserving of the honour. Congratulations on this emotionaly charged write being picked as Poem Of The Day. As I have said before, it is richly deserving. You make free verse sing like no one I know. You have used the form to its fullest in this excellent write. A fave from me. Have a wonderful Monday. Your friend always....Mike.
One Avatar
August 10, 2020 at 9:05 AM
You are very kind with your words, however, I can't help but feel this way.. I am happy, I received it and my poem was showcased, but it is a system that can and should be fairer.. Thank you for your feedback.. Hope you are having a nice day.
12
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