Woman In Chains

Woman in Chains
A young girl longs for the love of her father, she is daddy’s precious girl
She closes her eyes and pretends he is not in her bed
Pushes the memory deep down and far, far away
On her wedding day she dreams beautiful dreams of love and white horses to carry her away
She wakes up one morning wondering how the chains wrapped around her neck got there
Her hands became tied, her feet were bound as well
She tried to be perfect
To make HIS pain go away
Her house was so clean, the children were so cared for
As he entered the house, the meal was well prepared
HER WORLD BECAME HIS
AS SHE SLOWLY LOST HERSELF!
One Day the chains became too strong 
Like a vine that wraps itself, strangling like a mummy
She started to disappear
One day he came home drunk
And the unravelling began
As she ran, barefoot for her life
The police came with sirens and lights and took him away
The children watched in silence
Like zombies before an apocalypse
The cage flew open as she stepped outside
The freedom from the chains began
The journey was a long one
After the bruises faded
Freedom always comes with a cost!
He had to punish her
Her children were the price
The collateral for this war
Pain and destruction and open wounds
Now many years have passed
She no longer dreams of white horses
Beauty comes from the waves rolling in and out at her cottage by the lake
The love of one that heals the wounds has broken all the chains
The flowers in her garden bring her peace
The chains that try to come are quickly cut and thrown away
The chains are on her children now
As she tries to live her freedom
The children now are men that are broken and wounded
With chains around their necks
Their addiction numbs the pain of the woman in chains.
And where is their freedom?
August 26, 2020 written for poetry contest of 'woman in chains'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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Hamilton Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 8:30 AM
A very gripping tale Grace, horrific but that's what life is like for some, thanks for your entry and congrats on a nice win!
Daub Avatar
September 2, 2020 at 4:24 PM
Thank you so much for reading and considering my work. I am fairly new and this was my first attempt at a contest. I am deeply honoured to have placed 2nd. I am grateful to be able to write and draw attention to my triumph over abuse. I have been a volunteer in a women's shelter and sadly there are many stories like mine. Thanks so much! Grace
Lamoureux Avatar
August 29, 2020 at 4:17 PM
A powerful piece. One of your best Grace.
Daub Avatar
September 2, 2020 at 4:29 PM
Thanks for your encouragment Richard! Much appreciated! Hugs
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