Comment from Treischel

Excellent

This is a very touching poem about you abused childhood. I feel for you as I had a similar dad, and had to struggle for my own worth and identity, especially as a teenager. I feel the empathy you have for him, as you learned of his struggles, but the pain is still there, albeit muted. I am glad you got through it, and have a place where you can write about it.

 Comment Written 05-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thank you for your kind review.
I truly appreciage your time and empathy.
Yes, writing does allow me to voice and share so many things I
Have never shared before.
Walkng this path is liberating and assists final closure of this part of my life.
:-) Shirley

Comment from l.raven

Excellent

Hi Sweet Angel, I am so sorry he put you through that...and it is where God and I have a problem....he asks us not to buse our children...but He able to stop it...lets His children suffer like that...I know He is a good...God...but I don't understand...sigh...your poem is very well written sweet girl...but it made tears...God Be with you...love ya girl....Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thanks Linda.
As a child I didn't blame God I trusted him and this has made me who I am today
Surviving was my main objective so I was in 'self preservation' mode-nothing else mattered.
I did what I had to do to be compliant at home, school and well into adult life.
Since joining this site and writing of this time I have dealt with so much, acknowledged the abuse,
and begun to walk the path of release.
:-) Shirley

reply by l.raven on 06-Apr-2016

HI Shirley,I am so glad to hear that...there is just so much I don't understand...but time will tell all...your a sweetie ...and so very welcome...xxoo Linda

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

I'm so sorry you were abused as a child Shirley.I assume
it was a stepfather who abused you. I can imagine your mother was afraid to stand up for you. He was probably mean to her too. Women back then had no way out if they got in an abusive relationship. Writing about it will help you heal. God bless you. The poem is poignant and well written dear. Nancy

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thanks Nancy.
I appreciate your review sentiments.
Walking the path of release with my book 'Walk With Me' is
Like rattling all the skeletons in the closet and...setting them free, and myself as well.
Thanks for walking with me.
:-) Shirley

Comment from brenda bickers

Excellent

Hi SEKEN58,
this is such a sad poem and all to typical these days. Why do people allow there children to be abused in this way?
I am sure this is not a new thing and will go on for a loy longer to come.
That is sad, but so true.
Another sad poem.
Brenda

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thank you.
I appreciate your time and review.
:-) Shirley

Comment from krys123

Excellent

Hi Shirley;
-very provocative and strongly powerful is this writing about your youth how depraved and deprived you were having one such as exciting and happy as one should have.
-your rhyming words were contingent in supporter to the meaning and concept of each of your lines therefore making your rhythm to flow smoothly and none of your rhyming words are for storm favored.
- the rhythmic meter being iambic tetrameter the cadence, timing and tempo while helpful in making the reading clear, fluid very easy.
- the picture was very appropriate and relative to the concept and theme of your writing.
- thank you for sharing and posting and may the Lord be with you always.
Alex

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

TThanks Alex.
Your review is much appreciated.
:-) Shirley

reply by krys123 on 07-Apr-2016

You are very welcome Shirley.
Alex

Comment from Helen Bach

Excellent

A powerful, well written poem with harrowing images. The addition of the personal young sweet face adds to the impact. I assumed the cruelty was performed by a stepfather figure. This leaves a haunting aftertaste and would like to read more. x

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thanks for reviewing.
My abuser was my mother's de-facto partner.
He was about 20 years older than her and whilst he professed to love her ,
he didn't want her children , especially the girls.
:-) Shirley

Comment from jusylee72

Excellent

Touching well written poem. I am a little confused. Her father was not there. Who hacked off her hair_ A step Father? other, than that confusion I loved this poem and believed every verse.

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thank you for reviewing.
My abuser was my mother's de-facto partner.
He professed to love her but certzinlh not her children,
especially the girls.
:-) Shirley

Comment from Caperton Tissot

Excellent

What powerful feelings that poem expresses - emotions that leave the reader heartbroken for that girl. It reads smoothly, nice rhythm and flow. The rhyming works well too. I find the rhythm off in the first line of the second and fourth verse - otherwise it is perfect.

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thanks for reviewing.
I appreciate your commentx.
I have adjusted those lines.
:-) Shirley

Comment from melyuki

Excellent

Hi Shirley my goodness this is a very heart rendering story within your poem my friend. The emotion runs readily from verse to verse and the picture you paint is one of sadness, fear and mistrust. Each stanza brings a lump in the throat as your words vividly describe the pain and anguish that abuse creates .. and in one so young..
Sharing these thoughts is courageous and I thank you for doing so. Your little face in the photo of childhood innocence adds to the strength within your poem. Smiles and hugs from mel xxx

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2016

Thanks Mel.
I appreciate your review.
I have held so much in my heart for too long and to be the best person I can be I need to let go of the past and all it held.
Thanks for walking with me.
:-) Shirley