"FACINGFACES 2002 - 04" SELECTED POETRY

CHILD OF VIOLENCE

She was locked up in the closet
at the age of eight
by her mother the awful woman

She was locked up in her bedroom
frequently with him
his machete at her throat
as he invaded her small body

She danced and smiled
danced some more
in small confines the awful woman watching

She kicked the door in
screaming her rage
at her mother the awful woman

She was dragged by her hair
in the vortex of the tornado
twisted arms head banged till she bled
by the awful woman

She dances now in the fetal position
of the closet
the awful woman smiling


Carol Sircoulomb
USA
copyright 2002