Photo by Gusgus2
Beyond the Ceiling
By: JP Leddy
Screaming words echo outside my room
Vile words spew out of his mouth to her
The one he promised to love until death do they part
Her words rage back against his drunken stupor
Fighting his slaps and fists until she faints
Weeping in my room with my broken 8 year old heart
From the same scene repeated countless times
Where prayer has only brought silent answers
Where guardian angels are only porcelain figurines
I prepare for his departure to go out to her
So when she wakes, to take her to her bed
Then to go back to my room and look up
To know there is no God up there again
To help me beyond the ceiling
Submitted to Monday Potluck Poetry Peace, Relaxation and Spirituality
Tasithoughts' Weblog 
A very powerful poem…
“Where prayer has only brought silent answers
Where guardian angels are only porcelain figurines”
…these words struck a chord with me…very moving sentiments. An excellent write.
David,
Appreciate you reading my work and I am glad it moved you.
JP
Very sad write, but sadly very true of some relationships. Nice lines in this, I enjoyed the imagery.
http://jessicasjapes.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/first-date/
Jessica,
Thank you so much for taking time to read my poem. I always appreciate your feedback.
JP
This was really heartfelt and sad …
Scent,
The truth about spousal abuse is far reaching.
JP
Unfortunely true poem and video. Well done post. A productive spin on the topic for this potluck. JP, perfect. Thank you!
Such reminders are needed and it’s the poets job to provide them.
Jamie.
Thank you for your comments. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute on a subject that is so important.
JP
sad for the truth under so many roofs 😦
bendedspoon,
Yes, it is the sad truth.
JP
sad but true… domestic violence should be condemned in the strongest terms. it does not only destroy the family but the very core of one’s being. thanks for sharing this brilliant poem with us.
http://pinklady-bing.blogspot.com/2011/01/peace-relaxation-and-spirituality.html
http://pinklady-bing.blogspot.com/2011/01/last-dance.html
Pink Lady,
Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. Yes, the effects of the domestic violence are far reaching.
JP
sad… powerfully written
Thank you for the read, Robin and the comments.
JP
Heartfelt piece.. I have been a victim of domestic violence and that’s why I know what it takes to be there. My father, uncle and then my spouse, all of them have been the major vultures besides others!
It’s all over now.. 🙂
Sad and a realistic piece!!
Hugs xx
Olivia,
I am so glad that you survived all of it.
Big hugs,
JP
Power, truth and more power. Thank you for saying what needs to be said!
Sherrie
Sherrie,
Truth is power.
JP
very nice!! strong imagery, and great language used! there is lots of power in this piece!
OT,
Thanks.
JP
stunning message,
love and justice win, eloquent illustrations..
A++
Ji,
Thank you so much for your sweet message.
JP
Amazing, powerful poem. Nicely done I enjoyed reading it 🙂
A very deep, powerful and painful poem you’ve got here. It brings out the reality that so many people have faced, and the pain it must bring them, the damage it must do to them. Very heartfelt piece. I really like th ending, and the realization.
Very true to life..sadly. 😦
Thanks for sharing, skillfully written and piercing deep into the heart.
So deeply tragic. So much of what we understand as God comes from the love we witness and experience. Children are so vulnerable. Makes me sad.
No child should lose innocence so early. So sad.
Thanks for contributing poetry potluck week 20, support us by returning favors to poets who are here or visiting and commenting for a dozen poets starting from our latest entries, 201, 200, 199, 198, 197, 196, 195, stop when you feel that you have enough.
cheers.
A situation that happens all to often. You took a painful scene and painted it with words. Bravo on a very moving, heartfelt piece.
Thank you, Cheryl. It was a hard write.. but truth.
JP
Gosh.. this was intense, and very moving, JP! Abuse and torture really shatter one’s faith and sense of reasoning..
Very powerfully written, my friend.. it invoked a plethora of emotions…
Kavita,
Thank you, my sweet friend.
JP
I’m late to your site – thanks so much for referring me here – but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this powerful poem. I saddens me deeply that there are so many people who have suffered under such violence, who have no understanding of the Love of God – because they have never experienced it through the love of one another!. God’s love is expressed through loving each other as we would be loved, and as we love ourselves. (God also acts outside of our love as well.)
As you state so eloquently, there are many people such as the voices in this poem who have no frame of reference to even begin to understand what real love is. Thank you so very much, once again, for the touching, thought-provoking, mindful, and relevant poem! Well done!
Paula,
Thank you for such beautiful comments. I appreciate it so much.
JP
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