His mind trailed back
To memories of screams and shouts
Of a mother who served
As a punching bag to a drunk dad
It got worse every night;
She wouldn’t leave for the sake of her child
And of course what people would say
Of a pastor’s daughter
By her grave side the clergy man said
“She left behind a loving husband
And a little child.”
He wasn’t brave enough to call it a lie.
He could only imagine the pain in her eyes.
If he would get a chance to go back in time
These words he would say to his mother
“Leave to Live.”
Significance
This poem speaks to several significant themes, including:
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Domestic Violence: The poem powerfully conveys the pain and suffering caused by abusive relationships, particularly for those who are trapped in the cycle of violence. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing this issue in order to protect victims and prevent further harm.
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Cultural Pressure: The poem also highlights the societal pressure that can prevent individuals from taking action to protect themselves or others, even in the face of abuse. In the case of the mother in the poem, she stayed with her abusive husband out of concern for her reputation and her child.
