She put her Self in their hands.They made a fist.She pushed against their hold, bit through finger bone with her teeth, and turned the screaming into wings.
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"They made a fist." What a chilling line.
ReplyDeleteI think I just saw the words shiver. ;-)
DeleteDeep and poignant. This is actually how I feel at the moment with my work situation.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, this piece was partly inspired by a friend's workplace situation.
DeleteYes, the second line is chilling. But then the finale, albeit horrifying in its way (that this was necessary) is also wonderfully triumphant.
ReplyDeleteI remember considering a less bloody liberation, but... she wouldn't let me. And I'm glad. Some things need teeth.
DeleteTerrifying...but the most appropriate way to fight back when pushed.
ReplyDeletep.s. Love the "the not explaining [your] poems" approach. :)
Thank you, Khaya (on both counts).
Deleteturning screaming into wings is a fabulous image and such a power statement.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWhat a dark and chilling story - i'm glad she found her wings though
ReplyDeleteSo say we all!
DeleteIt is good to read two writers tackle a serious subject of abuse that won't go away from our supposed civilized world. We should never be quiet about it and fight it all costs.
ReplyDeleteFight we shall!
DeleteComing from reading Rosemary's poem I felt that this could be another (happier) end... it all depends on who "they" are.
ReplyDeleteThat it does.
DeleteThat is exquisite, Magaly! I hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Timoteo. I hope you are well, too.
DeleteI am always amazed at the power of your words Magaly. To break free and fly is exactly how I felt when I left my work career behind 2 years ago and pursued my writing passion.
ReplyDeleteThere is such power (and freedom) in allowing our souls do what it wants (and often needs). Yay! for letting go of what is expected and embracing what feeds us.
DeleteSuch a magnificent portrayal of strength, Magaly!❤️ The idea of "turning screaming into wings," makes me believe one can overcome anything.
ReplyDeleteMay we all believe (and do!).
DeleteFor betraying her trust, they're lucky she only took a finger. Yes, there is horror here, but it started the moment someone thought it was right to constrict the soul of someone else.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more.
Delete"...and turned the screaming into wings." That is exactly what we do. I remember my first wings, having fled the cage.
ReplyDeleteThe first wings are always the hardest. And never forgotten, aren't they?
DeleteI love the idea and the visual of turning screaming into wings. The gift of the ability to do this is something I wish could be put into the water supply of the world.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both! Oh, the thought of a world where all could birth their own wings.
DeleteStrong woman, she is!
ReplyDeleteI believe you are correct.
DeleteSounds like the last three years of my employment...but I am glad I bit back and bit hard. I love your poems with teeth.
ReplyDeleteI, too, I'm glad your teeth did what they had to. And did it well.
DeleteThis is incredible, Magaly, and … reading it on the heels of Rosemary's piece … has landed like a body blow … literally a physical reaction. What our Sisterhood endures … achingly sad … profoundly anger inducing … (visions of a book of 'Me Too' poetry, beginning to stir … that would be something … with work like this filling the pages).
ReplyDelete"Physical" is the exact sort of reaction I felt after reading Rosemary's poem. There was a lot of teeth clenching. And a final--and so very complicated--exhale.
Delete"turning screaming into wings" - sometimes that is all one has the power to do.
ReplyDeleteTaking the horrors and turning them into energy we can use, not just survive but also thrive, is a magnificent superpower.
DeleteSometimes you just have to fight back--and sometimes you win--love the teeth here!
ReplyDeleteRight on!
DeletePowerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteOh how I love the resilience and overcoming this portrays. Another one of your mighty poems Magaly, that stays with me for days. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie.
DeleteAnd I hope the is good company. ;-)
Delete