Poem -
Dancing For Monsters
There was a monster
in my mother
Sometimes it would doze
under her dark lidded eyes
behind the mask that
was her face
She would be heavy with hopelessness
And I knew I was safe
But I never learned the litany
to keep the monster sleeping daily the rules changed
So I would grow rigid my deadness an armor
I danced to create a fog that the monster would be lost in
I danced the dance of alcohol
I danced the dance of drugs
I danced the dance of danger They were all the dance of death
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Comments
This poem is one of numerous pieces that I wrote during my journey back from brokeness. Some of it is disturbing and graphic. Some of the pieces I post describe painful scenes of abuse from my childhood... the writing of these pieces were cathartic, and helped me heal.
The piece "Dancing for Monsters" was written, as were many others, more than 15 years ago. I have come far in my healing journey, and I have helped young people along in their own healing journeys, thru my work as a substance abuse counselor, and psychiatric worker with adolescents.
I am now retired, and enjoying family life as a Mom to my 3 grown sons, and a grandmother to 7 wonderful grandchildren.
I would like you to know that healing from generational child abuse and from trauma is possible. Writing about my experiences helped. And I am very grateful that my mother and I healed our generational trauma and our relationship together, which is a little miracle in itself.
Thank you for reading the things I have posted. ... Janiece Hemphill Gaither
3/20/23
Janice you are a strong and beautiful person inside out 'well done' for creating the light that led you out of the darkness all by you the self
Thank you so much! I am touched by your kindness.
Wow!!........what an inspirational story..........i'll definitely be looking forward to more...........the timing and rhythm of this piece is "dead on"!!............and the haunting delivery was VERY compelling.........an excellent write Janiece!!............and ........Welcome to COSMO my friend!!............well done.............smiles.......T xx
Thank you so much...I really appreciate your words!
Thank you all!