Look at her
a face illuminated by street lamps, by passing cars
she watches, she waits
the expression on her face is one of… nothingness.
Look at her
dark circles under her eyes, a bruise on her cheek
hidden by her hair
the look in her eyes is one of… emptiness.
Look at her
what did he do? what do you do? while she’s
beaten and broken
one woman, one of many, living in… hopelessness.
Society sleepwalks, liberals shake their heads
say wise but empty words, while behind closed doors
this never ends.
A woman is killed every three hours in South Africa, according to police statistics – a rate five times the world average. Half are murdered by men with whom they had a close relationship.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #56 photo prompt.
Image credit: Phmaxiestevez @ Pixabay
(The image shows a young woman looking out the glass pane of a partially open door, with an indecipherable expression).
luna's on line 
This is a very strong message Chris. Indeed most word spoken by people in charge are just empty words. Thanks a lot my friend for joining in with this important message.
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Violence against women and children is a horrific problem worldwide, but the statistic I read this morning about the prevalence of the problem here in South Africa takes the issue to another level.
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Yes, unfortunately these numbers are horrific I hope the discussion about this issue can raise some awareness
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Reblogged this on Keep it alive and commented:
First in this week from Chris Hall;
Chris has a very important message in her poem.
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Thanks, Sadje, I appreciate your words and the reblog.
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You’re welcome Chris
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How powerful that repetition of ‘look at her’ is, and even more powerful, the shift in your last stanza to reminding us of what we do not see. What a poem!
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Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Cath. I appreciate it.
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I love this poem, Chris. It’s full of heart.
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Oh my Chris you just speak about an issue really close to my heart..let us all help eliminate the culture of abuse and violence..
Very powerful piece Chris
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I know how involved you are in this horrific issue, Mich, and how you use the power of your words as a call to action. The least I feel I can do is speak out.
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This image says it all… no one should be afraid of opening their door…
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No one should have to face that fear.
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.
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Thank you for sharing 🙂
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What a powerful poem! Very topical too considering the fact that the pandemic/lockdown has seen the numbers of crime against women rise all over the world.
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Thanks, Goutham. You’re quite right, the lockdown has had a further devastating effect.
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This is a very powerful poem. I was shocked by the South Africa statistic.
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It’s horrific. Initiatives to improve the culture of violence against women and children seem to have fallen by the wayside in the face of the crushing impact of the virus.
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I think we will be seeing more and more collateral damage from the pandemic.
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I fear so, Liz.
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A wonderful poem! 💙 You’ve succintly captured the horrific condition of so many women around the world. Well done, Chris.
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Thanks so much for saying that. I appreciate it.
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Most welcome 🙂
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Heartbreakingly true. Well done.
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Thanks, Tina. That photo touched a nerve for so many of us.
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Terrible situation, and a strong poem. Well done.
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Thank you.
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That’s a strong one, Chris! A very strong message, conveyed perfectly! Awesome take
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Thanks so much, HS!
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This is a powerful piece, Chris! Here in Fresno, domestic violence has increased also. I often listen to our local police on Broadcastify.com and it seems like at least 50% of the calls they get are DV disturbances. You’re right, it is horrific. And then there are the emotional abusers that nobody ever suspects.
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It’s desperately sad and shocking, and you’re right it’s not just physical violence.
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Chris, Some men take out their frustrations on those close to them…wives, girlfriends, children. It makes sense that DV increases in times of increased frustration. Well written and timely!<3
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Thanks, Cheryl. More fall out from the virus, sadly.
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Wow, what a simple yet powerful poem. The message makes me angry that real women experience abuse like that everyday. (Don’t mind the poem nerd in me): I love how you delicately crafted this poem – every element within it felt like it was specifically made to hit the heart of it’s reader. The repetition, the imagery, powerful enjambment, selective diction… All used to shape this poem like an emotional arrow guaranteed to hit the right mark within your reader’s minds. This was clearly written by an expert who knew what they were doing. And I’m definitely the sort of reader that admires that craftsmanship.
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Golly, I’m a little overwhelmed by your appreciative analysis! Delighted too 🙂 I was much moved by that statistic and that’s what puts passion into a poem. You’re definitely my kind of reader. Thanks so much.
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This is deep and eye opening. I also listened to a podcast where it is said that everyday in India, a girl disappears, kidnapped, trafficked, enslaved.
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It’s so tragic.
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Very powerful, Chris, and a message that we should never tire of repeating.
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Thanks, Matthew. A shame that we must.
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Totally agree.
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[…] Chris Hall; Only suffer in silence […]
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It seems one is never too far from such. We had a neighbor who thankfully was able to get out of such a relationship – but it took a lot of work from other folks including other exes of the gent to get the woman’s bravery up to challenge and brake the hold.
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I’m thankful for that.
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This was powerful, Chris!
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Thank you, DN.
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