Women's Lit: Swallowed by auntietk
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Description
Women's Lit: Swallowed
swallowed
like a little fish
by a bigger fish
overshadowed
lost
impossible
to get attention
nobody sees you
as an individual
cookie cutter life
do what they say
carry on
invisible
we were told
to swallow
anger
pain
grief
injustice
abuse
we were
belittled
ignored
slighted
made less than
and told
it was our lot in life
we should
get used to it
above all
we should
swallow
who we are
what we know
what we can do
don't be smart
or overly competent
make things nice
pretty
smooth and easy
stay
in the background
stay
in your place
sit
stay
good girl
there are those
who still
swallow
no
and smile yes
instead
no matter
it's killing them
who are walked on
kicked around
believing
they deserve it
i see them
crouched
afraid
unbelieving
come here
stand with me
you don't have to
swallow
but they say
you are different
special
apart
that isn't the case
but they believe
the lies
thinking they hear
truth
for the young
who say to me
swallow it
that was
thirty years ago
the war is over
let me say
thank god
you see it
as history
we worked very hard
so that you
would not
understand
..........
A few days ago Ruth rudiruth put up a painting entitled Swallowed and the minute I saw it I ran off and wrote this poem. I love it when other people's work inspires me!
If you're not familiar with Ruth's work, go take a look at her gallery ... you're missing out, believe me!
Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your talent with us, for your inspiration, and for permission to link this poem to your wonderful painting.
..........
Title page created in ArtRage and Photoshop
Font is Caesar
Comments (21)
Very beautiful and moving words!
Excellent!!!!
Amazing how you come up with these. :c) Excellent.
Went back and looked at Ruth's painting first...then read your poem. Wow, your words leap off the page. I've known situations in other people's homes that reflect these bad times. Great good fortune for me...all the women in our family (both sides) have been free to be themselves as long as I can remember. Wheee,...I've lived a sheltered life haven't I? Thank goodness:)
Wow, these words speak to me loud and clear. I grew up that way and it's taken a LONG time to learn to be myself. Maybe that's why I talk so much now. This is beautifully written; thank you. And yes, Ruth's image is perfect; her work is astonishing!!
This is a stunning and elegant piece, wonderfully paced and to the point. It has the clear vibe of learned lessons resonating to those who are able to take something from them. What I really like about it is the casual self assurance, the whole strong attitude of "this is truth" with no bells and whistles. That's always the best, especially in poetry of this sort. I'm off to see Ruth's image, especially since I know that it's inspired a muscular and elegant piece of writing. Great stuff, as always.
"swallow" learned at a young age no feelings matter but in time as I grew older I realized how wrong they were WOW home spots hit hard sometimes
thank you dear Tara!!! You make my day.Hugs Ruth
impressive poem and special reminder! ;o)
Good that children learn different today. Well most of it. Very lovely poem and thankd for the link Tara :-)
Extraordinary poem!!
Thank you for the wonderful poem, Tara! :)
true words
FYI .. I've been really enjoying your writings :)
Great writing Tara....
Thank you. Well written.
fabulous poetry !
Very well said and it does speak for itself with minimum use of words.
Most impressive poem, outstanding work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oustanding words! Congratulations Smarty!
I can't comment on everything I missed (though you know how I feel about most of it), but I can comment on some, and this one calls for me to speak in the gallery. It's powerful, you use single word lines, short lines, you repeat words like "swallow" & "stay" (litany, ritual, the power of repetition), you make the short lines feel like punches and prods and shakings; and you bring it to a powerful conclusion telling the young that it's good they don't understand...yet there are still too many who do...another of your passionate poems, saying, in a small space, a large world; and using minimal means to put large pieces of journey in our eyes. And I luuuuv collaboration, and you couldn't collaborate with a better more powerful artist. And yes, I saw her painting before, and you captured its power in your words. A very fine piece, Tara, as always.