I heard about this law in Nebraska designed to offer a safe place for newborns to be dropped off by parents who can't or don't want to take care of them. Unfortunately, the lawmakers didn't put an age limit on it and people from all over the U.S. have been dropping their older kids off.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Safe Haven
Mom, no, don’t
leave me here!
Wait, turn around,
stop walking
out the door.
I know I’ve been
a brat and uncontrollable.
I’m sorry I hit you,
ignored you,
disobeyed.
But you can’t leave
me here in Nebraska.
You’re getting smaller,
you’re pushing
the door handle.
The wind whooshes
bringing in the scent
of abandonment;
it swirls around me,
isolating me
in a capsule of hate.
You’re just a shadow,
now, behind the glass
that reflects me
standing alone, mute,
screaming your name
in my mind. A stranger
takes me away.
A powerful, disturbing piece.
ReplyDeletehow horrible for a parent to become the stranger to the child....very stirring words!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those poems that makes you think. As a parent, I can't imagine a problem that would make me leave my child to strangers.
ReplyDeleteVery emotional piece. I'm glad you gave us some background on the scenario, as well.
ReplyDeletePowerful, disturbing, yet such a sad piece. Almost made me cry. Why would people do this to kids? :(
ReplyDeleteI really like how you incorporated social laws and regulations (this is even political) to write a poem like this! I need more practice on this! You've inspired me. :)
And thank you so much for visiting my poetry page.
http://alotus-poetry.livejournal.com
A piece that begs for reflection. Thanks for making me think.
ReplyDeletethis one really got to me Lyn.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine ever getting to this place, but I bet there are so many parents who don't know what else to do. My heart breaks not only for the kid but the parent that feels this much despair.
excellent post Linda.
thanks for your very nice comment today
:))
This is such a difficult subject. Your piece is so moving.
ReplyDeleteI agree with b.roan. It makes you reflect on what is wrong with this world.
ReplyDeleteIt can't be for the good of anyone - and to put it into law!
ReplyDeleteWow, is this for real? How utterly awful. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you decided to write about it though, it's very well written.
very strange!
ReplyDelete"The wind whooshes bringing in the scent
ReplyDeleteof abandonment;"
Beautiful, haunting line. Such a powerful and sad piece.
Very emotional and disturbing.
ReplyDeleteThis perfectly captures the cold desolation of abandonment; compelling, if hard, reading.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was disturbed about children being left on the "steps" in Nebraska and how laws seemingly there to protect our young sometimes have horrible consequences in the end. Your poetry strikes a chord with me every time I read your lines. Lately, sunday scribblings haven't stuck with me, however, possibly, this one on strangers has a story hidden somewhere. until next time....teach.
ReplyDeleteVivid and disturbing. I can't understand parents who do such things.
ReplyDeleteWell written. Heartbreaking piece, for sure. I've read about this and wonder how people can just 'give up' and become strangers to their own. Tragic stories.
ReplyDeletethis kind of reality is heartbreaking. the parents are eventually stranger to their child. tsk tsk
ReplyDeleteA powerful voice here Linda.
ReplyDelete"bringing in the scent
of abandonment;
it swirls around me,
isolating me
in a capsule of hate."
Long lasting emotion. Great job!
That is very sad , I cant believe how anyone would have the heart to abandon his/her child . . Very well written . .
ReplyDeleteWow, Linda. The power here... and the instant regret of the child/teen. I think we've become so conditioned to thinking of kids as being cold and hard, incapable of this sort of remorse.
ReplyDeleteNicely done. You've given us much, much to think about.
Whoa! This is a powerhouse. "...the scent of abandonment..." Primo!
ReplyDeleteWhen society begins to throw away it's very breath of hope and rebirth, what are we to do?
ReplyDeletePray hard and reclaim and love back into our being that which we unknowingly let slip away......
thank you for stirring my heart again dear friend
this reminds me of a song by richard marx, hazard.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, Well documented! I don't know of any law like that in the UK but I did overhear one woman threaten her child with the words 'Why don't you go and play football on the Motorway?'
ReplyDeletevery powerful
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad, and haunting at the end. I agree with so many of the other comments about how disturbing and thought-provoking it is, but you said it really well.
ReplyDelete