This particular poem was written in a matter of minutes for a project that a dear friend of mine is starting. He is a goldsmith with an amazing talent for creative design and quality jewelry. You may see his work at Windwalker Designs

He has decided to set aside a percentange of the money he makes on his angel jewelry to support the needs of battered women.

Domestic violence is one of the biggest problems that our nation faces. You may find it in any social circle and in an economic level. It effects long term marriages, newly weds, same sex relationships, and religious families. Usually it follows a classic cycle of emotional and physical abuse, followed by apologies and a blissful reunion. If you read through this poem and recognize it as being a part of your life, I urge you to break the cycle. Love has nothing to do with broken bones, being isolated from your friends, threats, or fear. If you feel that this is just part of life, or that it won't happen again, or if you feel trapped with no way out, please seek help. If you don't know how to get help, I encourage you to write me at webmaster@samsilverhawk.com and I will find someone in your area to help you.

~Cycle of a Battered Woman~

Do you remember me?
When I felt so small and alone.
Bruised and beaten
and cut to the bone.

That's me, huddled in the corner
with my head in my hand.
Frightened and crying
too sore to stand.
Do you hear the crying?
It's the children down the hall.
Look at all the broken glass
oh and another hole in the wall
Then the morning after with
dark glasses to hide my eyes
A fake smile on my lips
to accompany all those lies.

Why do I stay?
and how could I go?
How would I support myself?
It would be such a hard lot to tow.
Leave? I made a promise
to love honor and obey.
Besides who would want me?
and what would my mother say?

Then came the apologies
"It would never happen again" they swore
Oh how loving they could be
in this twisted tug of war.
Another day perhaps 2 or three
We can be as happy as can be.
And when things were going so well
I wish I would have said, Do you remember me?

Copyright 1994 © Rain Silverhawk. All Rights Reserved