Beautiful Vieques PR

Beautiful Vieques PR

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Is It Time?

Day 14 April P-A-D prompt:  Write an "ain't none of my business" poem.
NaPoWriMo Day 14 prompt:  Write a sonnet

How do I know it’s time to take a stand
When watching mother hurt her little child?
I want to speak, to lend a helping hand
But fear prevents all but a gentle smile.

It’s not my business how a parent treats
Their child is it? Will interference cause
The child more grief...intended help defeat?
And so instead of stepping in I pause…

I tell myself the child will be okay
Return to life I know of calm and peace
Until I see the child another day,
See bruises, proof abuse will never cease

Until someone steps in and takes a stand.
I know that now I must extend my hand.

4/14/11

8 comments:

  1. Extending a hand is a good move...

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  2. Thanks Jinksy! Sometimes easier said than done, but definitely worth the effort.

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  3. Gloria, this is amazing that you combined these two prompts and came up with something so profound. I don't have trouble stepping in when a child is being abused. If nothing else, I let the parent know that they need to get help. I have also said, "do you realize you are abusing your child". If a parent will abuse their child out in public I can't imagine what they do at home. It's not easy but I can't stay quiet. (I was an abused child, perhaps its easier for me. I know how important it is for someone to say something.)

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  4. Gloria, nicely done. You capture that dilemma well, especially in the second stanza - "will interference cause / the child more grief". A thoughtful write.

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  5. cool..

    Day 14 already?
    I am left behind.

    beautiful job.

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  6. I know the feelings well that you describe, those moments of hesitation, move quickly. Then there comes the day when you know that you know you must take a stand. You did that with your words. Congratulations,

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  7. Gloria, I understand your dilemma. Will it come back on the child under the guise of, 'See how you embarrassed me in public?' and another blow. Taking a stand is hard, but sometimes it's the only way... Good double prompt!
    I did WWP's "write about writing a poem." Amy
    http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/prelude-to-a-poem/

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  8. More people should extend a hand, Gloria.
    Nicely said.

    Pamela

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