Jenna Logan Poet Free verse

Withering

I opened my heart, as a bud in bloom
A fragile flower, gently held in his arms
I welcomed the warmth of his touch
He was my morning dew, slaked my thirst
and sated my hunger for love.
His words were whispered in my ear.

But now, his utterances rip my petals apart
Cruel inflictions play havoc on my soul,
His language hurls daggers at my heart

I'm tortured and tormented with toxic chiding
His voice is venom from the fangs of a snake, 
leaving puncture wounds, dripping with blood.

His angry words strip me bare of dignity
With each flay of his tongue, I am whipped 
I'm withering like a clipped rose,
exposed to a scourge of abusive speech 

What ails my heart leaves no bodily scars
I need benediction to heal my wounds
but I know the answer to my prayers
will never come from his cursed lips

And although it's not easy to forgive him,
I do because I am guilty of self-infliction.
The love I have for him is an addiction,
and for this weakness, I suffer the pain
of allowing his words to pummel my heart
again and again



August 10th, 2020
Inflictions Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Silent One

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Sam Kauffman August 19, 2020 at 4:05 PM "What ails my heart leaves no bodily scars" - wonderful line Jenna filled with truth! Verbal abuse leaves no bodily bruises, but the soul is black and blue! Congratulations on your first place win - hopefully balm for your wounds. Jenna Logan August 21, 2020 at 6:28 AM My heart and soul are both healed. Thank you for your concern and kind comments, Sam.

Anne-Lise Andresen August 19, 2020 at 6:56 AM - Congratulations on your win in Silent One's contest: INFLICTIONS :) - // Anne-Lise :) Jenna Logan August 21, 2020 at 6:28 AM Hi Anne-Lise, and thank you so much.

John Hamilton August 15, 2020 at 9:42 AM I knew this was a winner first read, congrats Jenna on a top win! Jenna Logan August 16, 2020 at 4:00 AM Thank you, John. Looks like you were right. I value your opinion.

JC Brul August 15, 2020 at 6:50 AM Congratulations dear Jenna on your TOP WIN. This is such wonderful poem on inflictions..It matches the theme well. Jenna Logan August 16, 2020 at 4:00 AM Thank you so very kindly, JCB.

Mark Koplin August 15, 2020 at 4:33 AM Congratulations on your 1st place win! Jenna Logan August 16, 2020 at 3:59 AM Thank you very much, Mark.

Silent One August 15, 2020 at 3:37 AM Jenna your poetry has developed so well, you are writing some amazing poems, especially for my contest...words can hurt, and they always will... somehow one has to learn to keep away from those who hurt us, as silence is better... Congratulations on your first place in the contest.. Jenna Logan August 16, 2020 at 3:59 AM Thanks so much for the honor and for the kindness of your comments. They're all greatly appreciated.

Caren Krutsinger August 12, 2020 at 1:24 AM Writing is often cathartic, I hope this one was cathartic for you. It is a beauty; I expect to see it in a winner's circle with a lei around its neck. Jenna Logan August 12, 2020 at 7:01 AM Each one is reliving a small part of the past, but it helps erase some of the pain. Thank you, Caren.

John Hamilton August 11, 2020 at 6:35 AM A very stirring write Jenna, seems to me this is experience talking, hoping you're in a better place now, this is just what Silent One is looking for so I feel like this is a top winner, at least it is for me! Jenna Logan August 11, 2020 at 11:16 AM Thank you for your insightful thoughts and sensitivity, John. The past is behind me and I'm grateful to be in a much better place. I'm not sure how this will do in the contest, but it was like taking a deep breath to write it.

Mark Koplin August 11, 2020 at 3:57 AM I'm sorry for your pain, often mental abuse is the worst kind. Wonderfully written Jenna. Good luck on the contest. Jenna Logan August 11, 2020 at 11:11 AM Thanks, Mark. The wounds are healed and the scars are barely there. I won't swim in those waters again.

Unseeking Seeker August 11, 2020 at 12:41 AM Poignant & beautiful portrayal ... Of trauma bonding inimical ... Jenna Logan August 11, 2020 at 11:10 AM Thank you very for commenting on my lines, Seeker.

John Watt August 10, 2020 at 10:40 PM Jenna, very well done writing about these deep waters. I appreciate the images you use to develop your message, especially the fangs of a snake and the clipped rose. All the best in the contest ~ John Jenna Logan August 11, 2020 at 11:09 AM The images appeared once I got started. I was diving deeper than I expected to go and had to rise for a breath. Thank you so much for your best wishes. They're greatly appreciated.

Heidi Sands August 10, 2020 at 4:02 PM Very powerful and I agree it speaks of truth. Well written Jenna :) Jenna Logan August 10, 2020 at 5:26 PM Thanks a lot, Heidi.