Distracting From the Truth
Acrostic poem dealing with abuse.
Do you think anyone cares whether I hit you or not?
I doubt they will believe you and why should they?
Stop trying to blame it on me - is it my fault you're so dumb?
They're not really your friends anyway...why do you think they never come round to see you?
Really? It's my fault? Even though I work so hard and put a roof over your head, you're blaming me?
Are you really trying to make me hit you?
Cold salad is not what I asked for - are you deaf as well as stupid?
There's no point in trying to leave me - I'll find you. Besides, where else are you going to go?
I hurt you? That's rich! Do you remmember why I hit you in the first place?
Oh, please, spare me the waterworks. Are you still upset about me being gone all weekend?
Never embarrass me again in front of my friends or I'll give you something to really cry about. Do you understand?
*
Thanks for reading!
I was thinking about how abusers distract from what they are doing. Also, gaslighting is like a form of distraction.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Scottish-Italian poet/writer from Glasgow.
Overflowing in English language torture and word abuse.
"Every man has a sane spot somewhere" R.L Stevenson
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection is now available!
https://paulspoeticprints.etsy.com
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Comments (6)
I was once a victim of gaslighting. I only realised that in hindsight after I completely cut him off from my life. Your poem did bring back some suppressed memories but lol, you did warn me! Loved your poem!
Gaslighting is one an abuser’s favorite weapons. Psychological warfare. If they can keep their victim distracted from the truth, they can continue to manipulate them. It’s all about control. Very well done.
You nailed it, Paul. That’s exactly how they try to spin it. And even though this is a great submission for the challenge, I like that it’s not blatantly an acrostic. It’s a work of art.
So deep, my friend; it saddens me to think some people live this truth 🥺 Great job at creating awareness; amazing work!
Awful to think how easily some of us allow ourselves to become that sort of person, imposing our will upon others instead of engaging in a relationship. Not to mention how frequently this gets played out in our politics, churches, businesses & other institutions.
Interesting stuff. Well written, I enjoyed this piece.