I swallow a sentence
replete with humiliation
-words break into alphabets
each alphabet generates
a different feeling
a different story
-rakes up memories
of suppressed emotions
how I felt
how I remained silent
and how it fermented within
the past can’t be erased
but can be a determinant
of the future
I put my foot down
on the floor
stepping out of bed
with a resolve
I’ll register protest
I’ll not take it any more
lest it becomes
a festering wound again
it does not become a fake smile
concealing unbearable pain
I swallow silence
let it blossom into
-alphabets of courage
words of self-esteem
push-back paragraphs
-a story of resilience
neither endurance
nor self-respect slain

Beautiful thought in the last stanza, Reena. Powerful poem..
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Thank you so much!
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My pleasure, dear.
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I really like the last stanza, the concept of swallowing silence and turning it into words.
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Thank you, Alison!
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It takes a lot of resilience I think
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You are right. Thank you, Bjorn!
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I like the phrase “alphabets of courage”. The idea of swallowing a sentence…swallowing silence.
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These ideas make poetry whatever it is 😊 Thank you, Yvonne!
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Such a great turnaround Reena…
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Thank you so much, Frewin!
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Oh I like alphabets of courage. 👍🏼
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Thanks 💯 🔠
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You’re welcome 😇
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Strong crie de coeur here Reena . An admirable experession of spirit sure to inspire others. In that sense this is a valuable write – thank you for shring it…
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Thank you so much!
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There is strength in this poem, wonderful.
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Thank you, Diana!
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😍
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Especially love the last stanza, Reena.❤️🙏🏼
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Thanks a ton, Melissa!
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