Were you, or another family member, ever abused by another family member?
@QueenRainbow2001 (139)
United States
April 14, 2008 12:45pm CST
My parents were alcoholics, and I was physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by them.
I was the one of their 4 kids that didn't fit in. I was the product of a cheating wife becoming pregnant, and because of the times and situation, her husband gave me his name. But not his love.
The courts removed me from the abusive family home, and "the parents" legally disowned me. The following verse is about how one life ended, and another began...
Mine.
A New Beginning
They strode through the door one by one
Strangers who would decide my fate
Then the judge came bustling in
Apologizing for being late
My mom was first to take the stand
As she stared at me I cringed
Eyes flashing like embers of flames
She looked more than slightly unhinged
When she spoke it was with venom
And the truth didn't touch her tongue
She made me look like a monster
From which goodness couldn't be wrung
Dad was the next to take the stand
He walked by like I didn't exist
He said I wasn't his daughter
And once gone wouldn't be missed
Next was the nurse to take the stand
To show the photo's she had took
After they had all studied them
They sent me a pitying look
Tears were streaming down my face
As I remembered the pictures viewed
They showed all the bruises and welts
As the photo's showed me nude
The judge instructed the jury
And they filed out one by one
It took them only a few moments
To decide they wanted justice done
They saw no reason for me to be beaten
And took me out of the family home
I was granted a new beginning
In a little rented house of my own
c 1971 Linda Ritnour
5 responses
@madlees (1377)
• India
15 Apr 08
The poem is just heart rending . What are these parents and how could they hurt thewir daughter. Maybe he was not the father but even then, he has other kids too right...
It is better that you are not with them. Are you alone even now? or you have someone, a friend may be to be with you?
Such a beautiful poem. They just cannot be called parents at all. They could have discarded you when you were a baby, without abusing you like this. You are mentally and physically hurt. Butyou are a brave girl, courgeous enough to write a poem about them and let the world know.. God Bless you dear. Be happy hereafter and do not ever think of the past. It is not for you. You can always be a queen of rainbows as your handle suggests.
@QueenRainbow2001 (139)
• United States
17 Apr 08
Thank you all for joining this discussion. I appreciate your support.
I was taken out of the family home when I was a teen, and am 52 years old now. I have raised my son, now 32 years old, and have been married for 27 years.
Thinking and writing about the past helps me, and others. Looking back keeps me sensitive to the needs of others. Writing about it helps others see they are not alone, and that they too can make it out of such a life.
@madlees (1377)
• India
18 Apr 08
I am also nearer in age to you but slightly elder to you. I have also had some problems at my birth place but not like you dear. It feels very good when you come out with what you have in your mind. The mind gets lighter and you 'll find it easier to forgive them. I have also felt that.
@lovespecialangel (3632)
• United States
14 Apr 08
Your poem brought a tear to my eyes. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I hope you found a loving family even if it was a husband and not a mom and dad. I was beaten by my brother growing up from the time I was five until I was 14. My parents didn't do anything about it because they didn't really know what was going on. He was very good at convincing them. To this day, I don't have much to say to him. I don't hate him, but I don't go out of my way to be around him either.
@QueenRainbow2001 (139)
• United States
17 Apr 08
I totally hear where you are coming from. Sometimes love is easier from a distance...
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
14 Apr 08
wow...great poem. I feel like you were able to release whatever heartaches you have inside through this composition and I truly admire you for being very tough and very positive in your life!
@Swaana (1205)
• India
14 Apr 08
It was so hardening to read your post. You are very brave to handle situation and come out of it too with great mental strength. Hats off. 
