https://amanpan.com/2021/06/10/eugis-weekly-prompt-nature-june-10-2021
When trying to respond to Eugenia’s prompt this week, this poem, which I posted a couple of years ago kept coming into my head, and no matter how I tried, it would not go away. In this reposting, it is my hope that it serves some purpose. Perhaps, someone will gather something from it.
A rabbit stilled,
Motionless, as if frozen
In the summer grass
Only her nose twitched, flared
The scent of wrongness–
A touch upon the air,
And she knew
Only flight carried safety
Flight, the right choice to make—
If she could only still move.
But she could stand only statue still
And standing so, the trap sprung
Steel teeth clamping down,
Slicing through skin,
Chewing through chunks of muscle
As she struggled,
Daring not to scream
As screams would bring the predators.
This she knew too well.
The trap now biting into bone,
Her struggles stopped.
Her panting calmed.
Her head rested upon the grass.
One eye looked to a cloudless sky.
She prayed for strength to chew
Through bone.
Hearing The Mermaids Sing 
what a ghastly tale/ love yr work tho’
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I read this twice from two perspectives. The first told me about ceasing the moment but not giving up when it’s gone.
After reading the other comments, I read from the domestic perspective which is far more poignant and much more complex than “just leave”
Where I come from, there are some beliefs that if a man doesn’t fear his wife, her retribution if he messes up, then it doesn’t bode well.
In other tribes, if a man never yells at or beats his wife, then he doesn’t love her.
I of course do not condone and I report or step in wherever there is violence but to some people, freedom is overwhelming and fraught with unknown dangers and thus they tend to stay with the devil they know.
I’ve mumbled so much, forgive me.
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Wow, that is a tough read! Just heartbreaking. Very well done. “May compassion for all beings encircle the earth.” 🌷
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Annette,
So well written. This was hard to read on so many levels, the literal and metaphorical. It should heighten our perceptions to hear the silent screams and the see the hidden pain.
pax,
dora
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Intentional acts to entrap and conflict pain, whether it’s nature’s creatures or human beings is the darkest side of life, IMO! There should be no tolerance for domestic abuse. Excellent metaphorical write, Annette.
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You’re welcome!
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