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The Occasions

A good day there would be little blood A bad day, she could paint the room Though, that was a definite mistake But then again, she was just a beginner Not a virgin as such She was never a virgin The stomach was the best place to cut It was hidden Like the guilt Eating away everyday Birthdays were the worst His special occasion You didn’t bleed so much from the stomach The pain was also stronger But it was a nice sort of pain It belonged to her The years have passed Seemed strange One more special occasion The grandkids had never met him They watched as the curtain closed on him forever She turned away Unconsciously touching her stomach.

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Lisa Ricci

Date: 1/21/2024 4:50:00 AM

Paul Paul Paul. You master the free verse. Your entry is so vivid and clear to any reader who is enduring pain and loss that gets worse with time because it does. We go through the motions. The power and emotive factor are ever present and off the charts. This entry reaches the heart and soul. Be proud of your execution. Bless those enduring all this. May your poetic pen be with you always. Have a wonderful morning and day. Peace and Blessings always. (smile)

Paul Bell
Date: 1/22/2024 10:59:00 AM

Thanks, Lisa, hope life is treating you well.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 12/23/2023 6:19:00 PM

The raw ache and intimacy in your poem is palpable, Paul. The journey from hidden scars to the final, painful closure leaves a haunting weight, beautifully conveyed through subtle touches like the mention of birthdays and the grandkids' unknowing witness. It's a powerful exploration of grief and its enduring presence. - Blessings, Daniel

Paul Bell
Date: 12/24/2023 11:56:00 AM

Thanks, Daniel, merry Christmas when it comes and a happy new year.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 12/18/2023 9:25:00 PM

Powerful poem about abuse and scars, Paul! Janice

Paul Bell
Date: 12/20/2023 1:28:00 PM

Tough one.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/18/2023 9:41:00 AM

A potent poem, Paul. I hear the bawl of emotions in this splendid write.

Paul Bell
Date: 12/18/2023 9:58:00 AM

Sad one.

Duke Beaufort

Date: 12/18/2023 6:22:00 AM

Abuse is tough to deal with. Many of us have been abused at one stage or another. I’m a big fan of Roald Dahl’s Matilda since he describes ways to deal with it. Unfortunately, there are scars. It’s something handed down from one generation to the next if there’s no intervention.

Paul Bell
Date: 12/18/2023 7:54:00 AM

They always seem to live to a ripe age.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 12/17/2023 3:40:00 PM

a powerful and poignant poem about abuse. I am sorry to say, but I don't have much remorse for the man in his story...one who continually abuses is horrific. My Texas blood is boiling. Great read...have a great evening, Paul...Sara

Paul Bell
Date: 12/18/2023 7:51:00 AM

With you all the way, Sara.

Silent One

Date: 12/17/2023 7:52:00 AM

Hope he will burn in hell... like how he was cremated... No child should go through this... sickening.. your poem is very clever in how you expressed it.

Paul Bell
Date: 12/17/2023 10:58:00 AM

Definitely, death is too good for some.

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 12/17/2023 5:33:00 AM

i read many things into this, but maybe it's just my mind..a very dark write, with an impactful ending

Paul Bell
Date: 12/17/2023 6:57:00 AM

Just another survivor of abuse.