Look Away

Beneath my skin bloody gouges

unseen by those who say that they care

As long as the story matches the faces

they don’t need to acknowledge.

Do you hear my silent plea for help?

my eyes are bruised with fear, desperation

I stink of sweat hoping that you will notice

Unable to project my voice.

You can read about me in the paper

the guilt that I swear I hope eats

My child the one you cooed over

motherless because you did not speak…..

you did not act and make a report……

tonight was the night that the violence burst free

and tonight was the night I needed someone to see.

©Jay-lyn Doerksen

3/2/17