Un-eulogy

... for the community icon's child who has suffered abuse. I understand all too well the dilemma(s) of daughters of fathers and stepfathers who can experience years of sexual predation from such god-fearing folks---and who are then, even into adulthood, dismissed for their claims of having suffered terrible invasions. Is it any wonder that many of these victims resort to suicide to escape the pain? Human propensity to sweep what they don't want to see right under the rug can be one among many of the most evil acts we do. To the extent that the public turns its collective back on such victims, they are accessories after the facts to such crimes, such predatory evils. As to the great community of souls out there who have experienced unreasonable beatings through part or all of their childhoods ... and then who experience adulthood in a constant state of anger regarding the injustice of it all ... count me among them. Thanx for the memories, Chuck

this is a painful, to the point, sparse poem. anyone who has suffered abuse will recognize the courage you have in actually writing this with people who know you fairly well, even if simply online. they will also recognize that you starkly depict the double life those who have suffered trauma/lifelong betrayal by those close to them are often forced to lead. only a man could write this and make it public, and you did. great job.

frequently and because my family knows me they would never allow it. A strage and rather wonderful thing happened to me a while ago when I was talking to someone about the pain. I wondered why "they" can not talk about it and it turned out, and I can only speak here in regards to my parents, that it is now just too painful for them as well. Sadly, I do not feel so alone. I suppose that in the end everybody lost something to a degree. Thanks for sharing, Mark

one chance to bond failed his shot at "corrupting"me almost succeeded.He has a chance,He left me twice. ..., David

Hi Jess Firstly, on your poem, it was very powerfully written and short and to the point. Something that does come across is just what a painful and sensitive subject this is for you, and i think you are a very brave soul for sharing this with us...thank you. just an afterthought however that occured to me as i read through this for the 3rd time, why do we leave things unsaid, especially when someone dies. Is it because we are scared that we will in some way be disrespecting the dead? Just something that has always puzzled me...... A gutsy well written piece jess!! kind regards Feebie Mistakes happen, do not dwell on them, live them, mourn them and move on to better things. (PS: if that does not work eat lots and lots of chocolate)

I wish it hadn't taken me so long to reach this piece, and I am certain that it is going to be one of the ones you'd rather not find again ... for that I am sorry, because I know this pain and cannot bear the thought of bringing it to the surface for you once again. However, I must comment on what is one of the most powerful pieces I have read by you thus far. The image of you standing there that day, finding your tongue through a blur of chemicals that prevented the thoughts from leaking through your lips ... it is heartbreaking. Your courage and the ability to suppress your fears to say what you needed to here is to be commended, my dear friend. much love, Ronda