| August
22, 2000
Hi Dr.
Irene! My name is Julie, I wrote to you a few months ago ... January I
think it was. I included a poem I had written, although I hadn't decided
on a title at that time, it was between "A Passing Phase" and
"Her Way Back to Life". (By the way, I decided to go with,
"Her Way Back to Life") Anyway, since
that time I have had quite a struggle finding my own way back to life, but
I did and I am now divorced and getting on with getting on. I wrote
another poem last week that really helped me bring closure to my ordeal. I
wanted to share it with you and let you decide if it might be helpful for
others going through (or are finished with) a divorce as a result of
verbal abuse. I know you heard this thousands of times, so I'm sure one
more time won't hurt ... THANK YOU!!! : ) Your wisdom, honesty, and
no nonsense advice has been, and will continue to be, a life altering
reality check for me. I've no idea where I'd be if I hadn't stumbled
into this site! You would
have found another teacher, that's all...
So, here's the poem and
once again, Thank you! Love, Julie
And thank you Julie! Dr. Irene
As the toll bells rang, she watched silently as the casket was lowered
into place.
One memory after another taunted her as the last tear fell from her face.
Plagued by the realities that left her alone to process this pain.
She fought the demons that chided she was to blame.
She looked up at the sun and let the light fill her soul.
As grievous as it was, she recalled the truth in whole.
The nails that sealed this coffin, were not driven by her hand.
But by his, one by one, they unveiled a fate she'd never planned.
She paused and reflected on her vain attempts to save
A marriage, that by his choice, was bound for the grave.
For each betrayal, each desecration, each volatile name he used to rape
her heart
Was like a cancer that was killing her and he knew this from the start.
Devastated, drained she had given it all away
To a man only content to mar her every day.
There she stood, almost numb, in utter disbelief.
That her own heart betrayed her, she was filled with such grief.
Today it was over, she was set free from the chain.
Left wishing this eluded she was also free from pain
She mourns the loss of her heart and fears she'll trust
no one.
Terrified of betrayal, from a new love she will run.
So, with lessons learned, she paid her final last respects
To a force that had shaped her with so many ill effects.
Breathing deeply, she resorted to signing on the line.
Finally free, to catch her breath, and renew her mind.
There was relief by the finality of this bitter twist of fate.
She realized at last, this is the road she must take.
So, as she hesitantly climbed into that black, eerie carriage.
She looked back for the last time, on the death of her marriage.
Julie Buchanan
Copyright 2000 |
