PERSON Poem: Abused, by Victoria Derewońko

Not every life is equal
Not every family perfect
Some are raised with flowers at head
Some grow with minor inconveniences

Many marriages are happy
Honeymoon states throughout the life
But some weren’t a perfect match
Broken right from the start

What benefit is there in harming the person you’ve sworn to protect?
What satisfaction in breaking your oath?
Father, what do you yearn?
What is your “glorious goal”?

Mother, are you still there?
Mom, can you hear my voice?
Mom, I need you to get up
Mom, I need to go to school

What strength is needed to survive
To thrive, despite the pain?
How do you have enough persuasion and love
To lie still and not break?

No, you don’t break, nor transform
You still do not resemble these men
You fight endlessly, day and night
You give us shelter from pain

Your actions are an example, your words show us the way
There aren’t enough words to describe the awe and adoration you deserve
For despite the harm, still love
Still survive, still grow, still thrive
To still look at us with happiness
To still call us your light

For your endless patience and virtues
Which numbering would take too many lines
For companionship, support and love
I would bring you the stars from the sky