Women's Lit: Swallowed by auntietk

Writers • Realism • posted on May 19, 2009

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Description

Women's Lit: Swallowed swallowed like a little fish by a bigger fish overshadowed lost impossible to get attention nobody sees you as an individual cookie cutter life do what they say carry on invisible we were told to swallow anger pain grief injustice abuse we were belittled ignored slighted made less than and told it was our lot in life we should get used to it above all we should swallow who we are what we know what we can do don't be smart or overly competent make things nice pretty smooth and easy stay in the background stay in your place sit stay good girl there are those who still swallow no and smile yes instead no matter it's killing them who are walked on kicked around believing they deserve it i see them crouched afraid unbelieving come here stand with me you don't have to swallow but they say you are different special apart that isn't the case but they believe the lies thinking they hear truth for the young who say to me swallow it that was thirty years ago the war is over let me say thank god you see it as history we worked very hard so that you would not understand .......... A few days ago Ruth rudiruth put up a painting entitled Swallowed and the minute I saw it I ran off and wrote this poem. I love it when other people's work inspires me! If you're not familiar with Ruth's work, go take a look at her gallery ... you're missing out, believe me! Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your talent with us, for your inspiration, and for permission to link this poem to your wonderful painting. .......... Title page created in ArtRage and Photoshop Font is Caesar

Comments (21)

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Faemike55

8:59PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

Very beautiful and moving words!

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clbsmiley

9:02PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

Excellent!!!!

SerenityBlue

9:21PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

Amazing how you come up with these. :c) Excellent.

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bmac62

9:24PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

Went back and looked at Ruth's painting first...then read your poem. Wow, your words leap off the page. I've known situations in other people's homes that reflect these bad times. Great good fortune for me...all the women in our family (both sides) have been free to be themselves as long as I can remember. Wheee,...I've lived a sheltered life haven't I? Thank goodness:)

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beachzz

10:16PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

Wow, these words speak to me loud and clear. I grew up that way and it's taken a LONG time to learn to be myself. Maybe that's why I talk so much now. This is beautifully written; thank you. And yes, Ruth's image is perfect; her work is astonishing!!

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Chipka

10:41PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

This is a stunning and elegant piece, wonderfully paced and to the point. It has the clear vibe of learned lessons resonating to those who are able to take something from them. What I really like about it is the casual self assurance, the whole strong attitude of "this is truth" with no bells and whistles. That's always the best, especially in poetry of this sort. I'm off to see Ruth's image, especially since I know that it's inspired a muscular and elegant piece of writing. Great stuff, as always.

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hipps13

10:44PM | Tue, 19 May 2009

"swallow" learned at a young age no feelings matter but in time as I grew older I realized how wrong they were WOW home spots hit hard sometimes

rudiruth

1:07AM | Wed, 20 May 2009

thank you dear Tara!!! You make my day.Hugs Ruth

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sossy

1:42AM | Wed, 20 May 2009

impressive poem and special reminder! ;o)

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helanker

1:50AM | Wed, 20 May 2009

Good that children learn different today. Well most of it. Very lovely poem and thankd for the link Tara :-)

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flavia49

5:39AM | Wed, 20 May 2009

Extraordinary poem!!

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emmecielle

11:13AM | Wed, 20 May 2009

Thank you for the wonderful poem, Tara! :)

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jocko500

7:04PM | Wed, 20 May 2009

true words

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tizjezzme

7:45PM | Wed, 20 May 2009

FYI .. I've been really enjoying your writings :)

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Merrylee

11:32AM | Thu, 21 May 2009

Great writing Tara....

sky13point1

1:17AM | Fri, 22 May 2009

Thank you. Well written.

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lucindawind

9:57AM | Fri, 22 May 2009

fabulous poetry !

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busi2ness

10:01AM | Sun, 24 May 2009

Very well said and it does speak for itself with minimum use of words.

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ontar1

3:30PM | Tue, 26 May 2009

Most impressive poem, outstanding work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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greensleeves81

1:48PM | Fri, 29 May 2009

Oustanding words! Congratulations Smarty!

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anahata.c

6:52AM | Sun, 14 June 2009

I can't comment on everything I missed (though you know how I feel about most of it), but I can comment on some, and this one calls for me to speak in the gallery. It's powerful, you use single word lines, short lines, you repeat words like "swallow" & "stay" (litany, ritual, the power of repetition), you make the short lines feel like punches and prods and shakings; and you bring it to a powerful conclusion telling the young that it's good they don't understand...yet there are still too many who do...another of your passionate poems, saying, in a small space, a large world; and using minimal means to put large pieces of journey in our eyes. And I luuuuv collaboration, and you couldn't collaborate with a better more powerful artist. And yes, I saw her painting before, and you captured its power in your words. A very fine piece, Tara, as always.