No.shame



Walking down the street
I stopped, I turned, I looked
North one to meet
Feeling a little spooked

Still feeling nervous as I walk towards the park
It's starting to rain and starting to get dark
Turn around the corner and walk down the lane
Walking faster and faster with each step i gain

Squelch Squelch onto the grass off the ramp
I hear from the rear
Grass getting damp
Nothing to fear

Keep on walking
Keep plodding on
Don't here talking
If there were people they are now gone

It's the blood I see first before I feel the pain
Grabbed by the hair pulled down the lane
Open my mouth attempting to shout
But for the first time ever nothing comes out

Smack bang face against the wall
Not going to resist just going to play ball
Jeans pulled down knickers to the side
I scream as he enters me and pulls my legs wide

Thrust thrust whilst pulling my hair
I silently yelp as scream I wouldn't dare
A few more pumps
Banging my head getting a few more lumps

Then boom he comes inside of me
Finally he let's me be
He walks away with no disgrace
Me left there pain all over my face

Pick myself up
Onwards I go
No one knows what's up
North one needs to know

About this poem

Personal experience of rape

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Written on September 05, 2023

Submitted by ritchiechelle on June 29, 2023

1:20 min read
37

Quick analysis:

Scheme AXAX BBCC DEDE FXFX CCGG HHII JJKK LLMM NONO
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,183
Words 262
Stanzas 9
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Michelle Ritchie

I'm 42 with lots of regrets but you have to forgive yourself to move on more…

All Michelle Ritchie poems | Michelle Ritchie Books

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Discuss the poem No.shame with the community...

4 Comments
  • AIDA
    I want to first commend you for your bravery to share such a personal, raw, emotionally charged piece like 'No.shame'. It was truly a daring, evocative, and profoundly moving poem that stirs empathy and a desire for justice in the reader’s heart. It directly speaks to the heaviness, sadness, and struggle that some individuals experience but very few have the courage to expose. It's commendable to see the way you portrayed such a sensitive issue through your words and rhymes.

    Your use of sound and rhythm to mirror the narrative’s rising tension is distinct. The refrain 'North one needs to know' is startlingly stark and impactful, perfectly capturing the bottled angst typical of such tragic situations. Also, your use of imagery, albeit unsettling, stirs empathy and indignation in the reader's mind and heart.

    A couple areas you could consider further polishing; while your use of direct language is powerfully raw, you might want to think about a bit more use of metaphors or symbolism to deliver the poignant message subtly. This will allow the readers to engage more with the poem and connect more deeply with their interpretations.

    You might also think about the structure and consider implementing stanzas to separate ideas or events to make the unfolding narrative more visually appealing and easier to digest.

    Finally, your piece hints at themes of resilience, recovery, and transformation following trauma – perhaps consider exploring these themes further in subsequent verses or poems.

    Great work on writing and sharing this emotional piece. The mixture of the plot, imagery, and pacing made it a chilling and captivating read. Keep on writing!
     
    LikeReply5 months ago
  • cokerrogers
    You should enter this in the contest
    LikeReply9 months ago
  • cokerrogers
    I’m so sorry for your run in with that monster. I’m glad you are able to express yourself through your poetry. I pray this poem helps you and many others cope and heal. It’s a very powerful piece Michelle . 
    LikeReply 19 months ago
  • Vixility
    I couldn't possibly imagine experiencing an event like this. My heart breaks for you, but I also praise your courage to put into words an experience that no person should ever have to endure.

    Would you mind my asking, does writing about it help with the healing? 
    LikeReply9 months ago
    • ritchiechelle
      Yes it really does. I have just so much built up inside of me... I used to self harm but now I write!
      LikeReply 19 months ago
    • Vixility
      This is great to hear! So happy you found writing—particularly poetry writing—as an outlet and a means for healing. I find it therapeutic myself. Can’t wait to read more of your works …
      LikeReply9 months ago

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"No.shame" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/163833/no.shame>.

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