To commence day two of my poetry challenge, I set an alarm on my phone to remember to write the poem. At the allotted time, I looked out of my window in hope of inspiration. However, the words of the Newscaster from the night before echoed in my mind, “the number of domestic violence [internet] searches have increased during the COVID-19 crisis”. As I wrote a poem that was meant to focus on nature, my subconscious turned nature into violence, writing for those who dare not speak.
Beyond my window lies the world
In all its technicolour brightness
With greens so vibrant
The trees blush in modesty
With blushes transformed to cherry blossom
Contrasting the earth from whence it came
Beyond my window lies the world
In all its uniformity
With building blocks stood side by side
And windows reaching to the sky
With balconies the size of prison cells
Contrasting the freedom that lies without
Beyond my window lies the world
In all its peace and tranquillity
With crime and punishment trapped indoors
Where frustrations and anger run wild
With tyrants ruling through an iron fist
Contrasting their victims who cower and hide
Beyond my window lies the world
Within my window lies my world.
Thank you for reading.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic abuse – please contact 0808 2000 247 (24/7 helpline)