This is a rather long narrative poem, based on an article that I read about a brave woman, which touched me
Out of despair came......
She draped a frayed woollen shawl
Tightly over her shoulders
To avoid the biting cold
And to cover up her breasts
Exposed to the elements
Her spouse, an alcoholic
Attacked her, tore her clothes and
Pushed her outside in the cold
After two pegs of whiskey
He could not control himself
Tired, she was slow to react
So he could overpower her
The result was a bruised arm
And ripped clothes, luckily
She managed to take her shawl
There were no tears left to cry
As she had nowhere to go
She tolerated this man
And misery that he caused
But, she could take it no more
She walked away in despair
To the bridge some yards ahead
And stood at the rails looking
Into the water below
She prayed for courage to jump
A man on the other side
Watched every step that she took
Realising that she probably
Was intending to end her life
He rushed swiftly to her side
Dear Lady what are you doing
He asked her - she shuddered
But he gripped her arm gently
Jumping will not solve problems
Please listen to an old man....
Life is a precious gift we
Receive from God, we cannot
End it anytime we want
Nothing is insurmountable
You need to face it bravely
So saying he smiled at her
And placed a note in her hand
Before she could question him
He vanished into the night
She tried to call out to him
But when there was no reply
She opened the note and found
A tiny message scribbled
It read "And this too shall pass"
He had saved a life in time.....
The distraught lady went on
To become a campaigner
For women's rights and lived on
To aid helpless battered wives
Her reputation lives on
Copyright © 2011 Sandra MARTYRES
All rights reserved
I adore all brave women around the world and this excellent work touched my heart Sandra.I thank you for this theme.I love the last 2 stanzas here mostly.So much enjoyed this wonderful poem.
Good poem, Sandra...loved the content along with the message therein
An inspirational poem. Touches our hearts.
wow Sandra..this tender write grips my heart..I agree with Robyn...truly amazing..& this has a special meaning to me..
What an inspirational poem this is Sandra. It is so important to help others with problems. The narration is written beautifully~
this is a great story. God bless the man that was wise enough to help her. Sometimes help does not come in time. love this write Sandra.
Wow! This is truly an amazing story and a fine testament to the power of loving-kindness at the right time... How beautiful that she was able to transform her trauma into something helpful to others... Inspiring!
A sad story with a nice ending, brilliantly narrated Sandra and well said
An amazing write Sandra - gripping right from the start with a wonderful ending - a fine tribute to a worthy lady and her unknown saviour.
Sandra, this is a thoughtfully inked timely write. It comes at a time when there is a spate of suicide cases in most metros especially where I live. The only reason in my opinion that is responsible for this is lack of self-respect and this in turn reflects on the upbringing, education, social pressure etc. If all women strive to become financially independent, then we would see fewer of such incidents. I read somewhere - "Teach a man and you have taught just an individual but teach a woman and you have taught an entire family". Isn't this true? So free education and vocatioal training for girls are imperative. Hope this poignant write serves as an eye-opener for one and all concerned.
Just long enough, Sandra, to empower your Readers & their Third Eye sense to receive what you are delivering.... A sterling story channeled on poignance, eloquence & overall captive depiction....~FjR~
You have narrated a short story in verse with a lesson at the end ! Thanks , -Raj
Wow. What a tribute to a very real misery afflicting how many daily?!