Yes.
She said,
But she meant:
NO!
But didn’t know how
To tell him so.
Okay…
She muttered.
Feeling sure
She didn’t want this
Any more.
Sure thing!
Her voice said,
Loud and strong,
Despite the fact
This felt all wrong.
I’m yours.
She motioned,
Feeling used,
Unloved,
Unheard,
Broken,
Abused.
How could he know?
She didn’t say.
Her silent thoughts
Gave nil away.
She should have said.
She knew that now.
But didn’t know,
Quite when,
Quite how.
Pooky's Poems 
This got to me in the pit of my stomach Pooky.
You are writing some very emotive poems which can get a real grip; excellent in my opinion! X
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Thank you – I don’t know quite where the darkness is coming from but I am pretty sure that it is better out than in. I think some people who follow on a kids’ poem day must wonder what’s hit them the next day!
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If only we could say all that we wanted to say in such moments, perhaps, no regrets would haunt us in days to follow. Or perhaps, we would regret speaking up too… Who knows…
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I’m not sure – I find comfort in the idea that there is a right answer but maybe there isn’t! I think that feeling empowered enough to make a decision about whether to speak up or not would be a good start though?
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Thought provoking.. to say the least..!!
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Not my most cheerful writing but I hope it starts some useful conversations to stop other people making the same mistake.
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I was going to say something to that effect in my comment, but thought better of it😊 What I was going to say though, was that I think you have a good healthy balance in your writing. Its been an important part of my poetry writing to find a balance.
Although I actually arrived at a place a few months ago where everything I wrote seemed dark so I expressed my doubts about carryying on posting such dark things and a blogger who doesnt blog anymore but who is a publisher and has become a very good friend (she has taken me under her wing) said to me “never be adraid to write about the darkness, it’s part of life”. She was really suggesting that if thats where I am then write about it! Strangely, not long after, my writing seemed to sort itself out and I seem to do both light and dark now.
I think it’s simply about being honest and writing rom the heart. Thats how I see it anyway. 😊
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I think you’re right… On the one hand I feel I should stick to one genre (that’s the wrong word but you know what I mean) as it doesn’t make sense to readers to jump about. On the other hand I feel I should strive for balance. But actually, I’m just writing for me and I love it when other people read and comment etc but if I want to write a miserable poem, I’ll write a miserable poem! xx
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This is such an excellent use of simple and direct language Pooky.
And a terrible situation to be in and relive. Well done I enjoy your poems.
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Thank you. Looks like it might be built into a sex ed lesson (I shared it with a sex ed friend via twitter who re-tweeted it) so I’m glad it might prove helpful. Kind of wish someone had had that conversation with me so….
Thanks for your kind words. I’m enjoying yours tremendously too x
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You express your sentiments so well with your poetry. Excellent poem. 🙂
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Thank you Cubby. Perhaps it’s time for one about fairies tomorrow though 😉
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Absolutely! And I wouldnt call them miserable; they are thought prooking and we dont know who we are helping by writing these things. I write for myself, but if someone else somewhere benefits, then that’s a great bonus for me. Im sure your more serious poems reach out to many people. X
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Thank you. I think it’s better out than in too isn’t it?
I enjoy the darker poems that people like you and Christine write too and I gain something from reading them so perhaps it is the same for someone out there reading mine x
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I meant you and Tricia! Oh dear….
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I didn’t see it as dark, I read it as someone trapped in a relationship they didn’t know how to end without hurting the other persons feelings. Without the word abused that I saw only after reading the comments – thought provoking
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Thanks Charlotte. I’m endlessly fascinated by people’s different interpretations. Often I think there is only one way to interpret something I’ve written, just to be proven wrong again!
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Reblogged this on The Migraine Chronicles and commented:
Genius
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Thanks for reblogging this. It means a lot to me when something I write resonates with someone enough that they want to share it.
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Being unable to say what you really want; feeling or fearing misunderstanding; these are familiar experiences and extend more broadly than some may first imagine.
Mighty fine writing PH. Keep up the flow you feel, let variety be as you need. This is first and foremost your place and I appreciate your combination of fun, honesty and openness.
While my own journey can be read as darkness, I also see the light through the cracks; and know that it exists behind the current façade and will shine out at times.
Peter.
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Thank you Peter – I think also it’s important to allow the dark moments their minute as I’m sure that when we reflect back, they help us to see how far we have come and where from.
And you’re right. I’d not considered for a moment the broader interpretation that was possible of the ideas expressed here. That’s something I love about having people like you who take the time to share your thoughts. It is so interesting to see how other people interpret words I imagined to be one dimensional. x
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🙂 well there you go, never underestimate the breadth of your work. As with any art, individual interpretations can vary considerably. Glad my perspective opened up possibilities for you.
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It did. Thank you Peter. You often make me think!
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Hope that’s not too hard on your brain 😉
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Ha ha! It hurts. It hurts!
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This is my favourite poem from your collection so far Pooky. So simple and so very moving.
I was stunned when I read it this morning and have thought about it all day.
I understand the discussion about the poem being dark/miserable but I also think this kind of poem can also help us reflect on how far we’ve come, if we’re lucky, in terms of becoming strong. It made me feel strong and reminded me how happy I am.
Is that odd? Truthful anyway!
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It’s certainly a different take on it – I’m glad that it resonated with you and that it left you with positive thoughts and feelings. x
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This is a powerful and relevant poem.
As for the discussion about dark versus light, I think the best poems come when we write what comes up for us. If I try to force a happy piece out because I think I should, it rarely works. I believe there is too much of what I call the ‘happy clappy stuff’. The world is a combination of light and dark and so our words reflect that.
I love your children’s poetry, but I find these pieces equally valuable.
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Thanks Tricia. As you say, I don’t think that poetry that is forced in any way is ever likely to read well.
I don’t really feel like it’s me writing most of the time. I’m just a kind of conduit between my mind and the paper!
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Pooky, I too have that conduit experience. Sometimes I read a poem and can’t believe those words came from me.
When Rod was alive, after he’d read a poem that was particularly important for me, I’d smile at him and with my best Winnie the Pooh impression, (you know, toes turned in, hands crossed over tummy) say ‘Can you believe I wrote that?’ He’d look me right in the eyes and say very seriously ‘Yes I can’. Sigh! Just another thing I love about that man. 🙂
going now…. xo
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Oh Tricia – this really made me smile. Rod sounds fantastic. He must have been very proud of you (and rightly so) xxx
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Oh man, Pooky….I’ve been in this situation, but alas, did speak up. So glad I did! Your poetry is really wonderful!!!
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Thank you – and I’m glad you did speak up. Well done. Not many people have the strength or confidence to do so.
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Brings back some strong memories…but they are weaker now than they used to be. I really enjoy all your poems. They are not tricky, they are simply powerful. Thank you for writing and sharing them.
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I’m glad those memories are weaker now – and I’m glad you’re finding something here that resonates with you and thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment.
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Wow, this one tugged at my emotions, Pooky! Excellent!
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Thank you – it certainly stirs up some uncomfortable memories and emotions for some.
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I have experienced this first hand. Not speaking – not good. Not easy though……
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I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope this didn’t stir too many unpleasant memories x
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