a shadow
dream slammed to paved terra firma by solar radiation
a shadow
hope cornered near streetlamp by star twinkled blades
external shadows cast by survivors
do not reveal
the shadowed spaces
inside where love
once lived
a shadow
childhood crushed by shadowed abuse
d’Verse quadrille poetry prompt
Authors note: When I read the prompt ‘shadow’ I knew that child abuse would be my topic. Our internal shadows were shattered long ago and I have spent my entire life in search of love. I write so that our story will be heard in the shadowed places of the universe. My poems and fiction reflect my passion for chasing away the shadows and seeking the truth. I write about love, because only love keeps our shadows at bay.
YES. Absolutely, Brian. This is a piece that sheds important light into some dark corners.
I especially love your bending of language in “star twinkled blades.”
I’m completely unsure that “like” is what I mean when I click the button. If it said “it breaks my heart”, that would be a better appraisal of my feelings about this poem, and each and every piece you write on abuse. I’ve seen the effects of abuse up close. The shadows can be overwhelming.
So many children live a shadow childhood, I’ve known quite a few and looked after one or two. Poetry is one of the ways we can shine a light on those shadows. Sadly, all the cases of abuse that I have known involved members of the victims’ families. I am substitute mother to one of these and honorary grandmother to her children, of which I am very proud.
I appreciate the personal note about shadowed abuse Brian ~ It is a challenge to overcome them but with time and much love, you can rise above it ~ Thanks for your support of our community ~
Thank you Grace. D’Verse reminds me of the Sunday Scribblings community I was part of from 2006-2012. Supportive and appreciative of writing efforts. I’m glad I found all of you.
Brian, this is a strong, evocative poem. It is universal in theme, because so many of us exist from our childhood abuse, and as adults are still trying to come to terms with it. A very courageous poem, too.
I do, Brian. At 68 I am still struggling with the abuse of childhood. My mother, at 96…is still the abuser. These people never reform….only death will give a blanket of peace to those abused…maybe.
A very poignant poem about the internal and external shadows. It feels as if the love with which you reach out comes from the depth of this internal shadow which makes it even more powerful.
You have taken on a sensitive topic and sometimes love is hard to find when the meaning has to be re-defined. One can hope time heals and love will grow in overflowing abundance.
I admire your courage not only in your words but in your decision to step out of the darkness and find the light that you so deserve. I hope that writing about this topic has helped in your journey of healing. I am sure it will help others as well.
There Are More Poets than Stars in the Firmament 
Only love keeps our shadows at bay…
YES. Absolutely, Brian. This is a piece that sheds important light into some dark corners.
I especially love your bending of language in “star twinkled blades.”
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Thanks for your support. I decided 10 years ago to use my blogs to shine the light of love on abusive shadows of all kinds.
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I’m completely unsure that “like” is what I mean when I click the button. If it said “it breaks my heart”, that would be a better appraisal of my feelings about this poem, and each and every piece you write on abuse. I’ve seen the effects of abuse up close. The shadows can be overwhelming.
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How about you ‘like’ that I write about abuse at all? If my efforts can disperse the shadows for even an instant, then it is worth posting.
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Then, if the shadows disperse – even for a second – I will encourage you to post as often as you feel able.
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This such an important topic and I do admire what you did with it… the love that shines through… truly beautiful
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Thanks Bjorn, love is everything to me.
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Courageous write, Brian–the type of poetry that can touch those dealing with abuse. I hope others find comfort in your words, above all, your wisdom.
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Thanks. I have many reasons to step out of the shadows, but mainly because I realized that forcing others to crawl in after me was not love.
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Thank you for sharing this. So many shadows – those internal ones are such a moving image.
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Thanks by commenting. I know it’s not the most comfortable of subjects.
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So many children live a shadow childhood, I’ve known quite a few and looked after one or two. Poetry is one of the ways we can shine a light on those shadows. Sadly, all the cases of abuse that I have known involved members of the victims’ families. I am substitute mother to one of these and honorary grandmother to her children, of which I am very proud.
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It’s one of the fallacies of abuse that it’s most likely to be stranger danger. The shadows cast by family are the most common forms.
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Darkness after my own heart.
‘the shadowed space inside where love once lived’ is very, very strong.
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Thank you. There will always be an empty space inside. I’ve come to terms with that and am at peace.
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I’m glad you have peace, Brian.
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hope cornered near streetlamp by star twinkled blades… that’s such a strong image ❤️
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That line resonates with me as well.
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I appreciate the personal note about shadowed abuse Brian ~ It is a challenge to overcome them but with time and much love, you can rise above it ~ Thanks for your support of our community ~
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Thank you Grace. D’Verse reminds me of the Sunday Scribblings community I was part of from 2006-2012. Supportive and appreciative of writing efforts. I’m glad I found all of you.
https://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/
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Packing punches here, well written and powerful.
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Punches on the side of the light.
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Such a bold & personal statement, giving us a ton to chew on with the brevity; I feel I should applaud first, then hug yu.
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Thanks Glenn, both would be welcome.
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Powerful piece. Well done.
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Thank you very much.
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hope cornered near streetlamp by star twinkled blades… love that!
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Thanks. Hope is a fighter though.
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“Perfect love drives out fear”. Powerful write.
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Thanks.
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indeed your words have power. a tough topic you tackled with valor.
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Thank you for commenting. 🙂
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you’re welcome!
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“I write about love, because only love keeps our shadows at bay.” ~ I completely agree. Keep on writing, Brian. 🙂
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Thank you Maria. I will continue to write.
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I like the idea of “the shadowed spaces inside where love once lived”.
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Me too. Even once in awhile I get inspired to write something. 🙂
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Brian, this is a strong, evocative poem. It is universal in theme, because so many of us exist from our childhood abuse, and as adults are still trying to come to terms with it. A very courageous poem, too.
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Thanks for understanding and supporting.
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I do, Brian. At 68 I am still struggling with the abuse of childhood. My mother, at 96…is still the abuser. These people never reform….only death will give a blanket of peace to those abused…maybe.
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The blanket of peace can be shared among many survivors.
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A very poignant poem about the internal and external shadows. It feels as if the love with which you reach out comes from the depth of this internal shadow which makes it even more powerful.
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You are correct, our inner shadows project reverse beams of light in the form of love. I posted a second Quadrille here: https://screamingcoffin.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/kiln-hungry/
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Thank you, Brian. As a survivor of childhood abuse and DV I applaud your advocacy and this awareness raising poem.
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Thank you for sharing your story as well.
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Love gRows
Ocean wHOleR..
shadoWed
Birth by
Garden
Love
or
not..:)
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Thank you. 🙂
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SMiLes..
Welcome..:)
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You have taken on a sensitive topic and sometimes love is hard to find when the meaning has to be re-defined. One can hope time heals and love will grow in overflowing abundance.
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Time does heal as long as the scab is not continually renewed. Thanks for commenting.
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I admire your courage not only in your words but in your decision to step out of the darkness and find the light that you so deserve. I hope that writing about this topic has helped in your journey of healing. I am sure it will help others as well.
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Thank you Mish. Having dipped in and out of darkness all my life, sometimes I lose track of what matters most.
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Superb treatment of a difficult subject.
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Thank you Linda.
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Writing to let the light in – a worthy task.
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Thank you very much for your comment.
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