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
Extending a hand is a good move...
ReplyDeleteThanks Jinksy! Sometimes easier said than done, but definitely worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteGloria, 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.)
ReplyDeleteGloria, nicely done. You capture that dilemma well, especially in the second stanza - "will interference cause / the child more grief". A thoughtful write.
ReplyDeletecool..
ReplyDeleteDay 14 already?
I am left behind.
beautiful job.
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,
ReplyDeleteGloria, 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!
ReplyDeleteI did WWP's "write about writing a poem." Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/prelude-to-a-poem/
More people should extend a hand, Gloria.
ReplyDeleteNicely said.
Pamela