Count to 10, and walk away

So, it’s Thursday again, and I just wanted to start this post by saying that this week’s poem for #Prose4T could be interpreted in a number of different ways. It was not necessarily written from my perspective (although throughout different parts of my life it very easily could’ve been) but it could also have been written about me, when I was ill with PND, or by someone else completely. Thank you, as always, for reading x (Oh and next week I promise to write something more uplifting 😉 !!)

Count to 10, and Walk Away

Your words go deeper than you know,
Hurt inside deep down,
Childish words said out of anger,
Pure nastiness behind the frown.

Said to cause me so much pain,
To cut me when I’m weak,
Uncontrolled outpouring of hate,
Whenever to me you speak.

Is it because you feel so guilty,
Because you don’t know what to do,
Is it because you hate me,
Because I really feel that you do.

You never offer comfort,
Your words are never soft,
They are nasty, mean and horrible,
From across the room they waft.

Make me feel it’s my fault,
That I’m not worthy of your love,
Make me feel so horrible,
They envelop me like a glove.

You know just what to say,
Just what will hurt the most,
And you make me a shadow of my former self,
A tiny, insignificant ghost.

You don’t know when to stop,
You can’t control your voice,
It’s as if you are possessed by evil,
As if you don’t have a choice.

But it’s when the children hear you,
When they see you be so cruel,
That I feel I’ve let them down the most,
That I feel like a total fool.

They shouldn’t be around it,
Shouldn’t hear those words be said,
They should only hear words of kindness,
Only have nice things in their heads.

So please next time you hate me,
Or don’t know what to say,
Bite your tongue, keep it closed,
Count to 10, and walk away.

10 Comments on Count to 10, and walk away

  1. Verily Victoria Vocalises (Vevivos)
    April 4, 2013 at 10:03 am (11 years ago)

    Oh my gosh, this is fantastic. I felt – and have be the receiver – of all of this and it sums up the situation so completely. Its amazing how much can be said in poetry. I love it :). Thank you so much again for linking up to Prose For Thought and for your valued support xx

    Reply
    • InstinctiveMum
      April 4, 2013 at 8:44 pm (11 years ago)

      Thank you as always for the lovely comment! And you’re very welcome for the support, am finding writing poetry very therapeutic xx

      Reply
  2. judithkingston
    April 4, 2013 at 11:12 am (11 years ago)

    Wow, powerful stuff. I like the fact that the title doesn’t come back till the very end – at first I thought that was going to be the poets respnse to all the bile, but in fact its her advice/parting shot.

    Reply
    • InstinctiveMum
      April 4, 2013 at 8:45 pm (11 years ago)

      Thank you so much for reading! x

      Reply
  3. Helen Braid
    April 4, 2013 at 1:03 pm (11 years ago)

    Powerful words. An excellent description of how cruel, controlling behaviour can make us feel. But you got the last word – I’m glad x

    Reply
    • InstinctiveMum
      April 4, 2013 at 8:47 pm (11 years ago)

      Thank you for reading. And those last words are not necessarily my last words, as I said, it’s not solely written from my point of view… Xx

      Reply
  4. Jaime Oliver
    April 4, 2013 at 3:29 pm (11 years ago)

    What a beautiful heart touching poem and one i so relate too xx you are very talented x

    Reply
    • InstinctiveMum
      April 4, 2013 at 8:47 pm (11 years ago)

      Thank you for reading, and for your lovely comment x

      Reply
  5. Keren Baker
    April 4, 2013 at 7:05 pm (11 years ago)

    a clever and poignant piece. It’s so important to learn that. It is actually uplifting- makes me think twice- makes me value the fact I’m not in a controlling relationship & for that I can be very thankful. Love the way you write.

    Reply
    • InstinctiveMum
      April 4, 2013 at 8:49 pm (11 years ago)

      Ah thank you so much! That’s lovely feedback! Xx

      Reply

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