Reviews from

Three Sisters

*Trigger Warning: Child abuse

20 total reviews 
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

We grow up into upstanding adults and present a facade for all to see, but the real truth, the scars, still linger deep inside and creep into our thoughts when least expected. I fear that the pain will never disappear.

Hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2022
    That's so true. My three younger cousins, about whom this poem was written, all have those scars. They show them to me. I wish I would have been in a position to help them back then. Thanks for the review and comments. Hugs.
Comment from Eternal Muse
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a powerful poem of child abuse, the tragedy that is happening too often on the planet; but in a lot of cases, children keep it inside and don't talk about it, for different reasons, most, for fear of exposure and shame.

Only years later they reveal the truth and some end up seeking help. But the experience cripples most.

Powerful imagery, visuals and message. I would call it a social commentary. More women need to hear this to know they are not alone. Thank you for raising awareness.

 Comment Written 17-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2022
    Thank you for your words of encouragement and understanding. Thank you also for reading my poem and for the review. Hugs.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2022
    Thank you for your words of encouragement and understanding. Thank you also for reading my poem and for the review. Hugs.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2022
    Thank you for your words of encouragement and understanding. Thank you also for reading my poem and for the review. Hugs.
Comment from R.B.Bunn
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a powerful piece. Raw. I loved how the cadence slowed down in the later half of the stanza and really drove home the words. There's a primal feel in those sections that really drives home the rage and anger they're facing.

 Comment Written 17-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 17-Mar-2022
    Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouraging comments and review.
Comment from Cathy M
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is so true. Everyone has blinders on when it comes to child abuse and spousal abuse. You captured the feelings of fright, and relentlessness of their imprisoned broken bodies throughout the years.

 Comment Written 17-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 17-Mar-2022
    Back in the 70s and 80s when this was happening, child protective services was new in our state. Nobody even knew about it yet. As I was just a child myself, I wish I would have known what was going on and been able to do some thing to get them out of that house. Thank you for your kind words and review. Hugs.
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Then with learned behavior and destroyed self-esteem, there is such a danger of reliving childhood as an adult. It is time to stop the cycle. One out of three kids is brought up in an abusive (of some sort) family. It is quite epidemic.

 Comment Written 17-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 17-Mar-2022
    Agreed! I wish I had the answers. Thank you, and hugs.
reply by Liz O'Neill on 17-Mar-2022
    ***warm hugs***
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh my goodness this is so tragic and we never know what goes on behind closed doors so we? Children of abusing parents need therapy as they age to come to terms with their childhood trauma, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 16-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 16-Mar-2022
    No, we never do. Thanks for your comments and for stopping by to read. Hugs.
Comment from Carolyn Dooley
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is sad. And it happens in homes you least expect. The devil is a great choice of words. It is sickening. The children hide the truth because they fear the jerk will kill them or their mom. Thank you for the awareness post.

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 16-Mar-2022
    Thank you for your review. I wrote this for my cousins so they will know that I now understand what they went through as children. When it was all happening, I was a kid myself and did not understand the extent of the abuse.
reply by Carolyn Dooley on 16-Mar-2022
    Yes, and thank you.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ouch. The mark of the devil was in him. He'll find his due in the world to come and your cousins will testify to the horror done. .......................................................

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 15-Mar-2022
    I hope so, or at least I hope that he realizes the damage he caused. Thanks for the review and comments.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm so sorry, I don't understand how some men can possibly be so mean to their kids, I'm so proud of my girls, but I know they've turned out well, partly because we love them so much, and the bonus, God loves them too, but He loved them first. I found out recently that my girl's best friends down the street had a really mean dad, but I thought he was a good bloke, stupid me! Beautifully written Leann, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 15-Mar-2022
    I don't understand it either. But you are right, even if a father isn't loving, THE Father is. Thank you for your comments and review. Hugs and blessings.
reply by royowen on 15-Mar-2022
    Well done
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2022
    I don't understand it either. But you are right, even if a father isn't loving, THE Father is. Thank you for your comments and review. Hugs and blessings.
reply by royowen on 15-Mar-2022
    The right
Comment from juliaSjames
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

An exceptional write both in content and technique. It was heartbreaking to read. Took me back to my Sociology studies years ago and to horrifying things I heard and read about since. In retrospect I love and admire my mother even more. She felt I was at risk, not of sexual abuse, but of physical mistreatment, so she left my father and raised me on her own. She was a trained teacher. But this is not about me.

I hope your cousins are receiving appropriate therapy. Because of the pandemic, health insurance is much more willing to pay for mental therapy which can be in person or over the phone. Spiritually I will add them to my prayer list. Hopefully there are faith communities where they live which can nurture their wounded spirits. Of course I will pray for you as well. Have they forgiven their parents? Not just their father. This is a process. But God meets all of us exactly where we are. We have only to ask for help.

Sending all of you love and light.

Stay safe and blessed

Julia

 Comment Written 15-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 15-Mar-2022
    Thank you, Julia, for all of that! The oldest has been in and out of therapy for years. They are now in their mid to late 40s. I don't know if they have forgiven their parents, but they support their parents in their older years. I'm pretty sure they have forgiven their mom.

    I am very close to the oldest and the youngest. The middle child, not a child anymore, struggles with addiction and is an unhealthy person to be around, so I don't talk to her much anymore. That's mainly her doing. I tried to teach them about Jesus and forgiveness every chance I get.

    Thank you also for the six star rating. I humbly appreciate it. Hugs and blessings to you.
reply by juliaSjames on 15-Mar-2022
    You're a godsend to your cousins. Addiction is a terrible affliction..I hope one day there will be a cure.

    Blessings and hugs

reply by the author on 15-Mar-2022
    Thank you, Julia, for all of that! The oldest has been in and out of therapy for years. They are now in their mid to late 40s. I don't know if they have forgiven their parents, but they support their parents in their older years. I'm pretty sure they have forgiven their mom.

    I am very close to the oldest and the youngest. The middle child, not a child anymore, struggles with addiction and is an unhealthy person to be around, so I don't talk to her much anymore. That's mainly her doing. I tried to teach them about Jesus and forgiveness every chance I get.

    Thank you also for the six star rating. I humbly appreciate it. Hugs and blessings to you.