One Word?

If you were a victim of incest or sexual abuse, this poem is for you.

One Word

Does it really take a thousand words to paint a picture

Or can it be done in less?

They say one word is all it takes

One word, no more no less.

Pinned beneath the weight of your desire

Trapped beneath a decision that you made

You, the adult in charge of me, a child

Wide-eyed, innocent, unaware. Did you care?

I'm told I'm guilty for not screaming out

Did I really fail to shout?

That one word that I'm supposed to say

In the end, does it all come down to just one word?

Why do I feel afraid of you?

You're my daddy.

If I said no, would I be punished?

If I said stop, would you hear?

If I called for help, would anyone listen?

Why does it all come down to just one word?

If I didn't say that word, does it mean I'm guilty?

Did I want what you did to me?

What did you do to me anyway?

I wish I knew.

But, they say because I didn't say that word

That one word that held the power

I didn't say it

I didn't know I could.

Does it all come down to just one word?

If I shouted it, would anyone have heard?

You, my daddy, and me, your little girl

Pinned beneath the weight of your desire

Trapped beneath the weight of your decision.

Does it all come down to just one word?

Never mind the choice that you made

Never mind the power that you held

Never mind that I'm a child

Never mind, no, never mind.

Does it all come down to just one word?

No!

Submitted 2008 by April Lorier