I like to sit in her lap
and play games.
She strokes my fur with
her gentle fingers.
Sometimes I tease and
pull away,
lick myself and pretend
I am too busy.
When our master comes home
he too likes to play.
He tosses me into the flower bed
with rough paws.
I feel my bones may break but
she placates him with a smile
while I hide away in the garden
chasing lizards and winged things.
I  can see her kneel as he yanks her hair
and slaps the dewdrops from her face.
I don’t understand the games my people play.
When it’s done he washes  the rust from
his nail beds,  says he’s had a bad day.

 

  Stop Domestic Violence

Anais Anais

Photography by Heart

124 thoughts on “Anais”

  2. I didn’t quite get this initially but it quickly leapt out. It is very very good.. from the animals perspective…. paws dewdrops rust.. .you never disappoint. If I taught writing I would use your stuff in my lessons…. I wish some who think they can write poetry would read you…. but I am not too sure they would see the difference between what they do and what you do. And now I have said too much

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Firstly, you got me I am a nice guy, in the sense I would rather say nothing than criticise somebody’s work. A lot of people think their poetry is better than it is. You are the exception that proves the rule. Maybe you don’t see how good your work is… how effortless the imagery, the melody, the cohesion of thought, the way you seamlessly stitch together tangents, like parts of a patchwork quilt so the whole is more than the sum of its parts. I hope you are just being modest, coz when people gush at me I do the old aaaaw shucks thing… coz I don’t know what else to say! But seriously you put the poetry into poetry! And that’s enough praise for one night for anyone! Best P

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Paul, this is a beautifully inspiring message. I’ve been writing poetry since age eight but never stop learning and enjoying the writing of those I consider naturally gifted. Thank you again for encouraging and appreciating my poetry. My best to you as well. 🌺

          Liked by 1 person

  3. Whoa. That was unexpected. So powerful to have it shown through the eyes of a pet, somehow taking away the voice of a person from it makes it powerful because it is less driven by emotion. It’s strange and that makes it stick.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. When I first read ‘our master’, I instantly thought wtf is that about!? And I carried on despite being a bit angry. And then I understood. Beautifully written. You’re incredibly talented. 💞

    Liked by 2 people

  9. You are beyond wow beautiful, this is exceptional and to witness it through the eyes of not a human, but a pet is something not only touching but amazing! If I looked at your soul through your eyes, I’d probably cry cause it’s so beautiful. This poem was amazing and the message was very direct, that’s something that should never happen, no place on Earth for domestic violence.❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  10. This is so well done, Holly! It is so deceptively gentle–the cat almost childlike and describing what s/he doesn’t understand.
    (And coincidentally I am also working on a poem on this topic.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Gigi. That’s true, but we can’t ignore the abuse perpetrated against men and children by the “fairer” sex. I have witnessed this personally. 💕

      Like

  15. I totally agree with what Paul says above. Any high praise is deserved. You never ever disappoint. On the surface this seemed such a simple piece to start with but boy has it got claws. Not only that but it is a unique perspective. Take a bow. xx

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Holly, this took me down an unexpected path. It reminds me of an article Malcolm Gladwell wrote called “What the dog saw?” Domestic violence is all about control. People need to do their best to get out or seek help from a trusted friend. He will not change. Almost 1/3 of the working homeless families an agency I volunteer with helps are due to escaping domestic violence. Keith

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was reading that the worst violence can be expected after the woman gets a restraining order. First off one must be very careful who they bring into their lives. Thank you for the very informative comment. Seeking safe shelter is imperative.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Holly, I believe you are right. I have shared with you the story of a large family not knowing their sister was being beaten by her husband until he eventually killed her. She explained away everything to her siblings regarding bruises, missed outings, etc. If she had only reached out to a sister or friend. It is rare for an abuser to ever change, so the victim needs to find a way out. Keith

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fear is the bond Keith, some of these abuser’s are sociopaths who will stop at nothing and the victim is trying to protect her loved ones. That is why I say a restraining order often triggers intense violence on the part of the narcissist. You are absolutely right, the victim must escape to a safe place. Thank you Keith.

          Like

          1. Holly, the best hope for change is to teach the kids that DV is not right and no one should be subject to that. This includes teaching boys and girls.

            I read an article recently that abusers are very good at hiding their behavior at work. Too many employers are stunned to learn they had an abuser in their midst. I feel so much for the victim as they are made to feel less esteem and even that they deserve the treatment. It is so tragic. Keith

            Liked by 1 person

  18. Hmmm. This was very movingly portrayed. A lovely name chosen – Anais. From the start it felt you were portraying a cat. I’ll read it again. Very different. Thanks for sharing this Holly. 😊😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Rishhuu. That is my cat Anais in my photograph. This is written through the perspective of ones pet, they are are often the victims of anger as well as women. Thank you for commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. “When it’s done he washes the rust from his nail beds, says he’s had a bad day.”

    Oh…I gasped at the last line. I was reading and understood, but I didn’t expect the excuse to be the excuse I’d heard so many times. It took my breath away ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Oh my gosh, Holly! The perspective of a cat seeing domestic violence …. I’ve got the chills! And tears! The way you connect words and create a story, a rhythm, a motion, a weaving of such extraordinaire brilliance, leaves me in awe of you! Just please don’t say thank you, Amy, but please hear what I say. Your talent blows me away. And the emotions you evoked within me is astounding! I just want to cry for the emotions that are now on the surface. I’ve experienced violence …. And your imagery is perfect! JUST WOW!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I also just caught the meaning of the title to this poem. Oh my God! Again you nailed it perfectly, Holly! Bondage and master etc etc etc is nothing but violence. That is not LOVE!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Dear Amy, I am so sorry this awakened any bad memories for you. My heart goes out to anyone who is or has been trapped in the cycle of abuse. I saw this through the eyes of the helpless. I abhor anyone who takes pleasure in asserting power over those who are weaker, beat them down physically and emotionally because they actually hate the cowardice that drives them. I do thank you you Amy, sending love and hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, dear friend. I was born in a house that was filled with abuse so my first marriage was based on decisions on what I knew. This part of my history is a part of me and it is not something that I talk lightly about, nor is it something that I push away from me and ignore. That part of my history helped form the person I am today. I abhor violence in any shape way or form! And I will be the first to go toe-to-toe with anyone who I see exhibiting Violent Behavior. I have actually put my safety aside for another and I am glad I did, and I will do it again! Bless you for your kind words! 🥀🥀🥀

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Cats… stats… hits… facts… farces.. faces … love … abrasions.
    Man .. woman… animal … human
    Life… death… absolutely… no reason.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Pingback: Anais — House of Heart | By the Mighty Mumford

Comments are now closed.