Nov 93
Calmly, serenely, she sits. Talking, she hears not her words, only the silence that proceeded from her void. Soaking in the emptiness, she remains indifferent. A word spoken, another knowledgeable soul, asks the questions gently, forcefully. Still emotionless, tears fall from anguished eyes that reveal the agonized child she hides. Slight smile, relieved laughter, almost chokes her. Sitting, asprawl upon her torment, she reveals more than intended. Pleas underscore, silently, the whispered word. Tremble of feelings, bewildering, lost amidst the relief. Anger, never shown, voiced, seethed, softly moves within -- raging calmly beneath years of self-condemnation. She hears words, encouraging release. Screaming tears fall gently, uncomprehended. Yearning for the tactile touch, the apparent affection, she withdraws coldly. Tell a story of a survivor, she renders it unmoved, reciting details of abuse, harshly cold.
And, unacknowledged tears stain clenched fists revealing the child, anguished, peeking through indifferent eyes.
© 1997, 1998 Tara Tambollio
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