Manipulation

Manipulation

I encourage you
To VICTIMIZE me
So that I can
Feel unworthy

The game I play
Involves setting
Up myself as
Well as you
To misuse me
And abuse me.

I can then say
“None of this
Is my fault!”
I’m a VICTIM
Of Circumstances.

© 1986 Susan Langer

From my Journal when first treated for childhood sexual abuse. © 7 minutes ago, Susan Langer    society • sad • family • anger   

This is a poem written a few months ago for a contest on allpoetry.com, The picture was the prompt. BTW I didn't win. Anyway, here was my take on the prompt. Susans Soul...

Facade

Such a large structure demanding
Great recognition and respect from all.
Strong and sturdy housing a multitude
Of rooms and people, the respected family.
The house keeps please entries flowing 
As it observes the massive acreage that
Provide the house an array of stylish trees,
hedges, fountains, and flowering gardens.

No storm can touch the strong outer facade.

Inside those many rooms and people
Secrets abound like festering wounds.
The odor of the lies told to maintain the
Status quo--"Don't rock the boat," now.
Consider yourself forewarned that denial
coats, but the inner walls threaten their
encroachment on the strong outer stones.

The facade inside delivers damning news,
As both facades start to crumble from denial.

Susans Soul...

115 words https://allpoetry.com/contest/2693445-Architectural-Picture-Prompt---John-Newton--noguest
Contest-poem inspired by https://allpoetry.com/poem/10368597-Coffee-Stains-by-RolinSton © 3 months ago, Susan Langer    houses • facades • people • lies   

Her Choices

Deb McComber book cover for "A Bend in the Road"

Her Choices

The road she travels weekly from country home,
four tires crunching the turn in the road to town 
The pattern grueling as she spends five in the city,
then home for two and time with her baby, her mom.