Totally rapt in the escape
into freedom,
Harsh realities lost in a
carefree world.
Child’s play and pretence
of being loved,
Being seen and not heard
was normality.
Respect and fear both
reigned supreme,
One might have wondered
but never spoke.
Adulthood was a step into
a distant future,
Childhood sheltered
ignorance in innocence.
Teenage years never confronted
confrontations,
One might have wished but
never said so then.
Self-evaluation presents a
strange return to mind,
Later years ponder the short
comings and shortfall.
Hatred still festers in
its resting place for an eternity,
Apprehension found a confidence
too late for questions.
One might have challenged
if only for a fearful rebuke,
The silent elder’s evil reasoning
remains lost for words.
©Copyright Eileen T O’Neill 07/05/2014
Poet's United Mid-Week Motif: Children...
Eileen, I feel the pain in your words. I think childhood cruelty is very hard to overcome, as one is so vulnerable and impressionable at that time. Though I am sure you have left some of this behind, I also sense that it has left deep wounds.
ReplyDeleteThe seeming escape into adulthood certainly carries the impressions and bruises of youth which demand recognition. This poem does that in a meaningful way, allowing that little kid some love and breathing room. At least you are not being cruel to that little one. Bravo! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteQuite an emotional trip through the course of one's life here Eileen. I think childhood scars are always with us but I do not believe they define us. I think as can overcome them. It's not always easy, but we can. And none of us are alone :)
ReplyDeleteI'm probably overly sensitive today, but this also touched a lot of strings with me. Lovely! Makes me want to give you a hug! *hug*
ReplyDeleteIt's so difficult to let go the pains one has suffered...thank god it's not everlasting and there is dawn after the long night...very moving piece Eileen...
ReplyDeleteI remember the time when "children were seen and not heard." Such a painful experience for many and what a loss to their parents as well, children have so much to offer in their untainted wisdom and how they help us grow when we listen. Lovely, heartfelt poem Eileen.
ReplyDeleteThe pain you felt then can still be felt now, Eileen. I hope you can, at least partially, get rid of the negative feelings that still seem so overwhelming and acknowledge that your own value should not be determined by those who could not see it.
ReplyDeleteEileen, I completely relate to this poem. "seen and not heard was normality" - was it ever! "Respect and fear reigned supreme". My mom would send me to my room "and dont come out till you have a smile on your face". 40 years of obsequious smiling before I learned to speak up at all, hee hee. I think we have now swung the other way - kids rule the roost and scare us to death with their pronouncements. Wild Woman has seen the pendulum swing. Now I'm scared of my kids, lol (Just kidding! Sort of.)
ReplyDeleteSome of us escaped into another world. I understood the unspoken, the imposition on the freedom a child should be able to express.
ReplyDeleteI hope writing it helped somewhat. I am glad that now your expression is free, and your own famiiy obviously so different from that. How wonderful that you have not been permanently emotionally crippled, as some are. Power to your pen!
ReplyDeleteEileen,
ReplyDeleteIf only our childhood days could contain just beautiful memories, that's the way it should be.
So many have scars from their childhood that leave them still hurting today as adults.
This poem made me feel a deep empathy.
Best wishes , always.
xx
Childhood is often very far from the idyll of play and innocence we like to imagine..i couldn't help but think of all the trials in the news..i think however many years it takes the elders must be given the name they occupy..
ReplyDeleteHey Eileen, sorry i haven't been by in a while, just coasting in my own little world. it's great to read your work again and hope all is well with you. Take care - Bob
ReplyDeleteThis is a clinic on word choice. "fearful rebuke" - that resonates
ReplyDeleteWe carry our battle scars well into our years, and we call them experience and lessons learned. A brilliant observation, Eileen!
ReplyDeleteself evaluation...so true..if one can go beyond mind ...beautiful poem Eileen.
ReplyDelete