This was my 3rd poem and probably my favorite. Too many women in my life have been sexually assaulted. I can’t even begin to imagine what someone feels when they go through this. It should never happen, let me just say that from the get go. I hate that it happens and I will die defending someone in this situation. I tied to put it into words as best I could. Much of this comes from input from a number of different women. As always, please, please, please give me feedback.
Raindrops splattering my face
like tears,
but my eyes are dry;
nothing more for me to give.
The storm clouds rage above,
lightning flashes,
thunder crashes.
I’m all alone,
adrift in shame.
Blood runs down my leg,
a trickle.
I shift my dress to cover
my guilt.
This was my fault,
at least that’s what I was taught.
I’m angry, hurt,
why can’t I just die?
But I must go on,
dust off my clothes,
look in a different direction,
while locking my secret away.
A lump gathers
in my throat, blocks the airway
cutting off my breath.
I collapse.
The soft grass caresses me, the sun’s
welcoming embrace pulls me
from the ground, guides me forward
casting the storm aside, brightening
the otherwise gloomy day.
Life suddenly blossoms, birds
chirping, insects buzzing,
breathing new life into my soul.
A burbling stream gathers
my attention. Wading in
the biting, cold water attacks
my legs and feet,
but it isn’t all bad.
A ribbon of dirt, sweat, and blood
floats
downstream, away from me like
the river is cleansing my soul.
I’ll remember this day
forever,
the day a man assaulted me,
and tore away my innocence.
J.G. Gatewood Blog 