Too Far - a Rhymed Alert for One Who's Hurt

This One's for Joyce, Who's Lost Her Voice. In Grief, She's Living with Her Choice

Linda Ann Nickerson
This one's for Joyce,
Who's lost her voice.
In grief, she's living
With her choice.

'Mid roses white, they swapped their rings,
And promised many heartfelt things.
One week later, she was bruised,
With broken heart, she was abused.
Atoning then, he brought her flowers,
Apologized for hours and hours.
On shells of eggs they danced that night,
Convincing themselves it was alright.

I stood in church and said a vow,
But nothing's gonna stop me now.
I do declare, it's love I fear,
So Honey, Dear, I'm out-a-here!

The storm was calmed for several days,
Till something set his rage ablaze.
She never knew what lit his fuse;
She couldn't seem to read his clues.
He slammed her up against the rail.
"The breakfast cereal is stale!"
And then he broke her Nana's lamp.
"Why can't you cook, you little tramp!"

I stood in church and said a vow,
But nothing's gonna stop me now.
I do declare, it's love I fear,
So Honey, Dear, I'm out-a-here!

That night, he brought a special gift,
A sparkling gem, to heal their rift.
She pulled away, against his charm,
Until he grabbed her by the arm.
"You'll never get away from me!"
He growled, "I will not set you free."
In moments, as she softly grieved,
Their firstborn child was conceived.

I stood in church and said a vow,
But nothing's gonna stop me now.
I do declare, it's love I fear,
So Honey, Dear, I'm out-a-here!

Now she's three and wears a scar,
And he has pushed me way too far.
He touches her again, I swear,
I'll hit him where you can't repair.

I stood in church and said a vow,
But nothing's gonna stop me now.
I do declare, it's love I fear,
So Honey, Dear, I'm out-a-here!

Published by Linda Ann Nickerson - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports

Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.   View profile

5 Comments

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  • Elena H. 1/13/2008

    I think this happens far more than we know.

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky 1/13/2008

    This is SOOOOOOOOOO good, Linda!

  • Orchiolum 1/13/2008

    Your poem describes a person and child who are in real danger...best to escape while there is time...so many have not, and did not make it.

  • Lenora Murdock 1/9/2008

    Powerful sentiment. Excellent work.

  • Missy H. 1/9/2008

    I really like this. Even tho it's sad.

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