the memory is an old one I am 16 maybe 17 deeply asleep in my bedroom my sanctuary someone is touching me caressing my body
Tag: child sexual abuse
Pins and Needles
thunder has been rumbling for the last few weeks under my skin hair stands up on the back of my neck my arms a storm
The Untreasure Box
It sits on the edge of my peripheral vision I try not to look at it pretend it’s not there She gives it a name
Speak
there is an art to talking everything about what is nothing while saying nothing about what is everything to paint convincing illusions of intimacy candor
Child Welfare
This poem was original published on Whisper and the Roar I am in my child welfare class in graduate school the room is full class
Resistance
silence is the boon companion of shame I am tired so very, very tired of silence of shame weighing me down pulling at my shoulders dragging
Muscle Memory
suddenly unsettled when healing hands touch left side of bare abdomen images of stray cocks and cocked guns fill my head crowding out other more
I Choke on Breath and Bone
my world spins out of control I am in the center of a tornado flashback dig sharp fingernails into tender palms leave angry thin red
#tbt This Room is Not for Rent
The Greek chorus has declared me damaged beyond repair incapable of a “normal” life “better off dead” say the well-meaning citizens than “broken” preferring the
