Elizabeth, as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and author of Silhouette Of a Songbird, has contacted Kernos again, sharing a new poem, to support other survivors of abuse.
“I wrote this poem, part of my new collection, for all those who suffered childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma, unwanted harassment and attention, put in a position of vulnerability, domestic violence and situations where they were never given a choice to say no.”
She hopes this will provide support and strength to others who have suffered similar childhood trauma, with the knowledge that they are understood and not walking through the storm alone.
For all those times
You stripped away my layers
Made me taste forbidden fruit
Forced my hands to do your work
Penetrated beyond boundaries
Hands snaked around my neck ready to silence the sound
For all those times, I never said no.
For all those times
I endured unwanted shadows creeping inside
Felt cold metal of a barrelled gun pushed against my head
Suffered perversion of injustice
Paralysed my breath through restrained fear
Offered my services on a plate
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I quickened my footsteps down a dim lit path
Criss-crossed patterns in the road to shake away the followers
Barricaded my sanctuary through blockades of furniture
Feigned sleep to hasten your desire
Gave you permission without speaking a word
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I didn’t dare scream
Kept quiet
Stayed silent
Never fought back
Ever told
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I felt special
Chosen by you
Thought you loved me
Wanted your attention
Asked for more
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I trusted you
Loved you
Despised you
Feared you
Missed you
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I trembled to speak
Felt ashamed
Pushed the knife deeper in
Faded into darkness
Shattered into broken pieces
For all those times I never said no
For all those times
I am haunted daily
I speak out
Fear will no longer silence me
My voice shall be heard
Truth will resonate
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I wasn’t asked
I give myself permission
My choice
My body
My right
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
I longed to say stop
Stop.
I am the adult
With ownership
Of my freedom
For all those times I never said no.
For all those times
You think you won
Of lives destroyed
We will stand strong
United in power
Together as one
For all these times, We will say no.
