The Journey A little girl scared helpless, powerless at the mercy of abusers. She longs to be free. A young woman grows angry, despondent at the mercy of the bottle. She dreams of revenge. A brave woman hopes sober, transforming at the mercy of resistance. She claims her future. A wise woman knows blessings, gratitude… Continue reading POEM: The Journey
Category: My Poems
Poem: Gift of Grace
Gift of Grace She dwindled to a flicker of flame. Lonely as a loon in the morning mist, life held only shades of gray. She traveled a wooded path to where the river bends beneath a willow tree, happened upon a doe and fawn grazing at the water’s edge eyes transfixed upon her gentle, trusting… Continue reading Poem: Gift of Grace
Poem: Messages
Messages We grew up afraid, unsure of ourselves. Stupid! Idiot! What are you, a moron? We grew up believing we were in the way. Children are meant to be seen, not heard! Some of us became rebels— lost ourselves in drugs, sex numbed ourselves with booze. Do as I say, not as I do! Some… Continue reading Poem: Messages
Poem: Rag Doll Rescue
Rag Doll Rescue Pretty little doll with dark curly hair, painted-on smile how tattered you’ve become cobwebs cling to shadows behind vacant hazel eyes dust balls collect in folds of your dress. I pull a thread dangling from your heart, witness the unraveling. Demons from childhood tumble to the floor, scramble for safety under machine-cut… Continue reading Poem: Rag Doll Rescue
My Trauma Poems Published on fictionalcafe.com!
http://www.fictionalcafe.com/the-poetry-of-pain-by-barbara-lawrence/ Welcome to the Fictional Café, a virtual coffee shop created especially for writers and artists. Mike, Jack, Jason, Caitlin, Charlotte, Simran, Rachael and Steve, your Fictional Café baristas, welcome you! We hope you’ll love hanging out here with us, reading and talking about writing, commenting on art and photography, listening to original podcasts, and… Continue reading My Trauma Poems Published on fictionalcafe.com!
Poem: I Can’t Wish Myself into Joy
I Can’t Wish Myself into Joy I was a girl at play, buoyant with glee simple things: merry-go-rounds pogo sticks puppies. Powerlessness Pain Exuberance dwindled. Years grew heavy, humorless, numb. I can’t wish myself into joy. It must well from within – lotus blossom through mud, organic. Sunlight streams hope to my heart. Quiescent petals… Continue reading Poem: I Can’t Wish Myself into Joy
Poem: River of Secrets
River of Secrets She balances at the edge of a colossal canyon, carved by the fierce river of her stolen soul. Spirit whispers to her upon eagle wings, guides her to take the plunge. She is safe, up here in the mid-day sun; its brightness hides what she fears to feel. Below lies the burden… Continue reading Poem: River of Secrets
Poem: Taking Flight
Taking Flight I hover over us as you defile my body, bear witness to your inhumanity through this thin veil of fog. You ravage my innocence but I feel no pain. Time no longer exists. I will remain out of reach until you are through, descend only when it is safe to return. Photo by… Continue reading Poem: Taking Flight
Poem: Prisoner No More
Prisoner No More You sentenced me my shackles fear hate shame self-loathing resentment, memories of pain inflicted bind me to you. I drag my chains heavy with despair rusted with tears long to be set free. Blame burns my mind. I cannot, will not forget, yet my heart seeks peace. Liberation lies within. No lock… Continue reading Poem: Prisoner No More
Poem: Penelope
Penelope You came into this world a being of Light. Shadow People sought to make your Light their own. You hid your Light from those who caused you harm, buried it deep down inside. But you buried it so deep you forgot your true self. You came to believe the Shadow People – came to… Continue reading Poem: Penelope
I Walk with a Limp 