Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

Woman In Chains

giant hand clamps her mouth tightly shut
she does not even try to speak 
has traded life for love
but is this it?
is this it?

She dares not speak
her truth
her ideas
her thoughts
Is she dreaming that she had them?
Possibly.
The fear of making him angry keeps her perpetually silent.
She doubts that her children knows she has thoughts.

She has not seen her family of origin for over ten years.
They have never met her three children.
They would be shocked at her submissiveness.
Her old self would not even recognize her.
Fear keeps her silent.
He says she can leave.
He will keep the children.
Fear he will start hurting them next keeps her here.
And so she stays.
Chained to the man she loves.



Written 8-29-2020
Contest: Woman in Chains
Sponsor: John Hamilton

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Sam Kauffman September 2, 2020 at 4:16 PM Caren, this is definitely the story of a woman bound in the chains of abuse. You have told it so well, so succinctly, I can feel the chains of her dilemma tightening around her. I pray that all women in this situation find a way out of their chains! hugs and blessings... Caren Krutsinger September 2, 2020 at 6:54 PM Thank you Sam

Paula Goldsmith September 2, 2020 at 10:20 AM Congratulations on your win. What a story/write. I have friends this story is about. Have a wonderful day with your win................ Caren Krutsinger September 2, 2020 at 6:54 PM Thank you Paula

John Hamilton September 1, 2020 at 8:24 AM Free verse as it should be, a powerful write Caren, congrats on a top win! Caren Krutsinger September 1, 2020 at 1:12 PM Thank you John. This is a lovely surprise! Wow! I am excited and thrilled!

John Fleming August 30, 2020 at 4:59 AM This imparts a powerful sense of dark foreboding, Caren. It is vicious with an underlying threat of cruel physical violence that can be unleashed at any time...really is quite intimidating. You most certainly achieved the desired effect. Good work, Caren. Best wishes. :) john Caren Krutsinger August 31, 2020 at 3:07 PM John, if you had met the women I have met....if you had tried to save the women I have tried to save....if you had failed as often as I have failed, you would understand that all I had to do was throw my experience onto a page.