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Desperation In D Minor

Desperation in D Minor

(For Incest survivors)
 

demi-damsel

Daddy's darling

delicate and dainty

debutante daughter

on display

Daddy's doll

dulcet dutiful dove

desire digs deeply

deftly does despoil

defiled delicacy desecrated

distraught destroyed decimated

desperate daughter decries

"don't...Daddy...don't"

 

© c.m.m.
 


— Candlewitch, Mar 25, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Northwestern Wisconsin USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Carlos Castaneda, Jim Morrison, the whole of Neopoet and many more., Candlewitch

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More from this author

Critiques

Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

Writing is a great comfort to me

Barbara Writes

without the almighty god to rely on

I would not be the person I am

I realize God is not the cause of people actions

he gave us free will to do the right thing.

some just use it for the wrong.

KN

Kieran Nelson

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Cat, I’m a little late

Hi Cat, I'm a little late to the party it seems. Really liked the titled btw, don't have any relation to the theme, but till didn't stop it being good. BTW, funny thing, say the title in a german accent and it gets another meaning: "Desperation in dee minor". As in "the" yeah? It was funnier in my head! In any case, nice work as per usual. Kieran "Mind, how you go!" - Roger McGough's poem for LSD Awareness Week
Mark

Mark

18 years 2 months ago

the title is perfect in different ways

The title is what pulled me in here and I was thinking music. Along the way I realized "the minor" but now that Kieran brings it forward I wanted to stop in to say the tilte was a refrence to music and was why I initialy dropped in and certainly was surprised and "taken". Abuse seems to be so wide spread and messed up so many lives. Knowing in my life so many (including myself) I can only imagine the extent of it in truth. I am so glad you have it together Stix. Take care of yourself, Mark
asiajy

asiajy

18 years 2 months ago

Strength

I'm sorry to say this has happened to me once, but only once. That one time was mortifying and I have never told anyone about it. I just split my mind into holding two realities; it happened and it never happened. And now I feel better admitting it to myself (and at least to you). I commend you Candlewitch (and rsscheerer) for having the strength to come to terms with everything.
C

Calliope

18 years 2 months ago

You've actually...

...given me chills.this is a perfect peice that you better never touch.And the way you used every word with a d was brilliant.Brava! Lacy, Where power corrupts,poetry cleanses.
C

Calliope

18 years 2 months ago

P.S

The title was perfect.and i've just read everyones comments and I'm actually suprised more people don't know about this sort of thing.Someone should speak out and make people aware.Of course,it won't stop it all but certainly some right?As a victim of sexual abuse I know how hard it is to speak of it,i don't usually, due to the violent nature of one of those experiances,but here at neopoet I have found others like myself who have suffered the same afflictions,and it has helped alot to talk about it,being it's easier to talk to strangers than people close to you,at least for me.But again,Brilliant work! Lacy, Where power corrupts,poetry cleanses.
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

so true

Barbara Writes

it is easier to talk to people you don't know

true for me that is

RSScheerer

RSScheerer

18 years 2 months ago

Cat

I had to come back and read everyone's comments. Alobar and Daniel really touched me; their comments are as strong as the poem itself because you made them feel something that they have never experienced (at least Alobar, Daniel did not clearly say, but I hope he is free from this sort of burden). Every time I read this it sends chills through me. But I read it both to remember and forget. As much as I hate the men who abused me (because in my case it happened more than once and at different ages), part of me realizes how strong I am now despite their attempts to condemn me to a life of self-hatred. I wish that you had lived with your Dad. I also find a twisted satisfaction knowing that he did find out and act on that knowledge. Justice sometimes wears a vicious mask. The animals who steal so much from the young deserve no better. ~ Ronda Our opinions regarding a conventional god are identical as well. Perhaps some find peace in religion, and I hold nothing against them for that. It just did not work for me.
Frost Smith

Frost Smith

18 years 2 months ago

Candlewitch...

amazing work; amazing courage I have not yet begun to dig that deep into my past; but when I do start to deal with it I know I can expect to find the same compassion & support. You inspire me, thank you for your bravery. It is also quite extraordinary that you could keep the aliteration that tight, it flows; not at all akward. I'm always impressed when someone can keep the technical and the artistic in balance. Great work; I will not forget this poem Much Repsect Frost
P

purplemoondoll

18 years 2 months ago

One word - stunning.

One word - stunning. Definitely your best so far. Excellent Cat - really excellent. :-) To be able to tackle such a difficult subject in such a powerful way speaks volumes. I invite you - if you get a chance to read - A Life's Potential in my profile, which tackles a similar subject. You do it much better though methinks - well done! Kaz It's impossible to smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside.
A

Ancientone

18 years 2 months ago

Hmm, thut I had commented here once...

seems not! Too much of this happens even in so called civilized society. Some families engender it even, sadly. I'm sure there are many who are so ashamed that they won't speak up, even as adults. Good write Cat, sorry for your pain and of those who have good reason to empathize. I can only imagine, but I have known others who were so harmed. I wish you all the best of luck in dealing with it in whatever ways you are able to do so. :) Patrick/AO
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

No Daddy words that crush

Barbara Writes

some recover well from this and go on to live happy productive live.

one so close to me, experienced this.

It made me mean with vicious words.

takes time but you do come to grip and forgive.

sometimes I wonder if I did forgive.

I do know this I let go of the anger.

never happen to me but one so close.

still hard to think about

E

ellenelizabeth

18 years 2 months ago

stabs my heart

This touches me @ so many levels WHAT AN IMPACK! I feel your pain. Being adopted, and having 2 adopted brothers, not feeling that sisterly bond I understand the questions, the anger, and the infamous question Why? Only to have 2 boys myself, and having one brother abuse my sons>>>> DIFis comming in and finding nothing>>>> years later of untold abuse on my boys, my sons told me>>>> Lets say glad my Xhusband ( Father to my Sons ) was a police officer at the time. Through all of this my only salvation was and is my addiction to writing, for my self first and the world only from time to time. Hugs>>> Mother Earth's Spirt is a comfort If God is the Father someone should call Difis on him, he has alot to answer for. El
A

Ancientone

18 years 2 months ago

I wondered...

your words were so lifelike, I wondered if it was you or not. Glad you were not a victim, but sad still the same. Have a great day, Barbara. :) Patrick/AO
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Ellenelizabeth,

Mother Earth is a definite comfort. I figured that other must be a total a-hole to just sit there on his big butt and let bad things happen to innocents, and then hide behind that free will excuse. I'm so sorry for you and your sons. I hope that you all have found healing and solace somewhere. I know I heal a little with each poem I write. Writing and music has been my comfort. Always, Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Yes, Kieran

I see what you mean. Thanks for reading and commenting and for your faith in my poetic ability. :) Always, Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Is anyone else having a problem

with posting replys to comments right now? I keep getting an error page when I try to post and then I have to do a refresh. Is it the site or my computer? Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

I know what you mean on all

I know what you mean on all counts, and, I cannot believe in a God who didn't believe in me. If I did still believe in "that" God, he and I would be bitter enemies. I'm better off and very comfortable with my Earth based spirituality. Always, Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hello Frost,

I was very angry for a long time. It took a few years of therapy and self-examination to get beyond the point of pure anger. Thank you for your kind words of support. I know that you will find the same level of care and understanding should you make that dark journey. I for one will be in your corner. Good luck to you, I wish you all the best. Always, Cat
P

purplemoondoll

18 years 2 months ago

You are more than welcome

You are more than welcome :-) Kaz It's impossible to smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside.
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

Thanks patrick

Barbara Writes

didn't happen to me

but when the one I love and cherish are hurt

Its like it happen to me

and I react crazy sometimes

A

Ancientone

18 years 2 months ago

You are quite welcome! :)

You are a treasure Cat, do not ever forget that. :) Patrick/AO
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Awww

Awww, Patrick, thank you. You are a dear to say that. Always, Cat
A

Ancientone

18 years 2 months ago

You are quite welcome!

Thanks for being you and being so kind to me. :))) Patrick/AO
Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

A knife in my gut

Barbara Writes

Guilt carries a scar, must be honest, am a victim. Reliving burns like fire in the pit of my stomach. We both has move on to a better place where comfort is abundant. Just can't share.

Barbara Writes

Barbara Writes

18 years 2 months ago

I totally aggree

Barbara Writes

my writing to is of great comfort to me also

never talks back or judge

what ever form is present for me I embrace

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi asiajy

Even if it was only once, it is a terrible thing to live with and I wish you never had to go through that. I hope that someday you are able to come to terms with it, just remember it wasn't your fault and you did nothing wrong. I would have responded sooner but the site was misbehaving yesterday. Always, Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Lacy

I see the site is still messing up the comments, so this probably won't appear under your comment where it is supposed to. *Sigh... Thank you for your comments and support, they are greatly appreciated. I understand how you feel about speaking out and I hope that you find healing through your writing. I'm here for you, too. Always, Cat
andrew

andrew

18 years 2 months ago

3rd Test

In reply to "Cat" (http://www.neopoet.com/comment/reply/8997/23096#comment-23096)
RSScheerer

RSScheerer

18 years 2 months ago

Great title

For a haunting piece. The alliteration serves as a series of hammer-blows to the heart, especially for another survivor. Although it wasn't my father, the pain comes to the surface just as easily. Brave write, Cat. You never cease to amaze with your strength. ~Ronda
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Ronda

I am sorry to know that you have felt this pain. Mine, wasn't my father, either, but another family member who was in a position of trust. I actually wrote this for a girl that I was in the hospital with after I tried to suicide. Her story completely broke me into pieces. Always, Cat
RSScheerer

RSScheerer

18 years 2 months ago

Cat

I think we all break a little every time we hear the story. Those of us who are able to sweep up the pieces as they fall have won the battle against our abusers. ~ Ronda
P

poewriter58

18 years 2 months ago

Cat

You have spoken for all of us with this piece wonderful alliteration I agree with Ronda it drives the point home Chrys
weirdelf

weirdelf

18 years 2 months ago

Survivor to survivor

thank you. It is horrendous how much this goes on. Public awareness helps but does not stop it. Great poem too. cheers, Jess
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

You are welcome.

I know it doesn't stop it, but I have to try. I'm just one voice in a sea of voices and if we all cry out, just think of the noise we can make. Thanks for reading and telling me of your feelings. That helps, too. Always, Cat
A

Alobar

18 years 2 months ago

I have no frame of reference

I have no frame of reference for this poem, but the final three lines hit me like a thousand broken hearts all at once. Humanity Sometimes I am ashamed of you.
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Alobar

I am glad that you have no frame of reference. Truly glad for you. I would not wish this kind of experience on anyone. But I am also relieved that the poem touched you, because it is meant to educate. Thank you for reading and commenting. Always, Cat
G

gumpymonkey

18 years 2 months ago

the power.

This one fell heavy on my tear ducts. Mind you I do not use them often. The title is brilliant, I hear the music of Bach. Toccata en fugue in D minor suits the stingers and crescendos of this poem. This belongs in a national public service announcement commercial campaign. The music playing, the words being read by a young female actor. Scenes showing a variety of supposed offenders running to their remote controls, scrambling to change the channel. As actual offenders run to their remotes in subconscious fearful shame. Teach the world with power like this. Victims need a voice like this. As for a technical breakdown... Your final line "don't...Daddy...don't" is going to hit with impact regardless of the brilliance and vocab use above it. Yet it may be harmonious to frame this line by changing "Daddy's doll" to "doll Daddy's doll" as it would still preserve flow while creating a familiarity with this pattern of word repetition/sandwiching. So when readers do reach the last line, they have already been tickled by the pattern and now are even more vulnerable to being impacted by its power. I also feel "dulcet dutiful dove" is just as strong but more comfortable to read as "dutiful dulcet dove". In the second line I would consider capitalizing "daddy's" as it is caps in the other two uses within the poem. Great work and thank you for sharing with me this lesson. With every great poem I read, I become a better human. Daniel
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

I only visualized the music

Your visualizations are so much more vivid than mine. I wish I could make this poem into a public services message, if I could I would do it just the way you described. Thank you for taking the time to write to me and help me out on the technical. I will certainly give your suggestions serious consideration. Always, Cat
professor

professor

18 years 2 months ago

Desecrated

Not much more I can add to what has been said by others really Cat, although your subject is one I seem to come across far too often now for comfort. Sometimes I even find myself trying to vaguely understand what motivates sexual feelings towards your own child by looking at my 15 year old daughter who is stunningly attractive and has chosen to live alone with me rather than with her mother and brother. But thankfully all I feel is a totally asexual paternal pride and love. As far as the poem is concerned I suppose I should be honest and say that for me personally the heavy alliteration actually detracts (no "d" pun intended)from the power of your words but it does create a broader appeal and therefore will get the message across more effectively I guess. Keith
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Keith

I understand what you mean about trying to understand this unnatural inclination. I myself use "Styx" to get into the head of male monsters (If I post some of the darker writings of Styx, you will understand what I mean) All my life I have had a driving urge to understand "why"? certain things have happened, feeling that if I could understand, then maybe I can put those things behind me. It is weird, but sometimes I feel like Frankenstein's monster, because I am the creation of several monsters. Your daughter is very lucky that she lives with you. If I had been allowed to live with my Dad, many of these things wouldn't have happened to me. (my abuser was a B-I-L and the abuse went on for a few years.) I was rarely allowed to see my Dad, as a punishment to both of us. I'm sure that you and your daughter will always treasure this time that you have together, as it should be. Always, Cat p.s. This is also one of the reasons I cannot believe in a conventional God.
professor

professor

18 years 2 months ago

Title

Just had a thought about your title Cat since it is not really a musical key but a letter in the alphabet you are using. So it could be "D is for......" maybe "Daddy desecrated" or perhaps just "Daddy don't". Keith
RSScheerer

RSScheerer

18 years 2 months ago

No, the title is perfect

even though it is not a musical key, the desperation in D minor can be taken in more than one way...Desperation expressed by the letter D from the mind of a child, i.e. a minor, or how the adult is reduced to that child once again. Probably thinking too hard here, but I just really like the title the way it is. ~ Ronda
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Thank you Keith

I'm kind of fond of the title as it gives reference to the alliteration and to the child involved. When I read it I hear music in D Minor. But I always appreciate anything you have to say. Always, Cat
professor

professor

18 years 2 months ago

fine Cat

You know me I just float alternatives around to keep people questioning. It seems that almost everyone agrees your title is great and it is certainly compelling. I was just musing on the fact that it only becomes relevant to your poem after you have read it i.e. it does not immediately give away its subject. Hope you liked my comments on one of your lighter poems by the way, "Beer". Always Keith
themoonman

themoonman

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Cat...

What a title..for me the d's were a little distracting, but I'm an old country boy and it caused me to read and re-read which is a good thing, and each time I reach the last line I get all shivered up, so don't change anything. I like reading your poems..you have quite the depth and an eye for the story...glad you are here. I don't understand sexual abuse...I was never a victim and my kids better never experiance those things as I believe I would spend the rest of my day's in prison for taking the culprit out. I cringe through a lot of these writes by these folks and have to wonder what would be attracive in taking liberties with anyone...let alone a child. To me it is the worst sort of human out there... I'm sorry..see what your poem did to me...excellently written.... Richard
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Richard,

You don't understand those kinds of unnatural feelings because you are a good person. I have to tell you that poewriter58 (Chrys) helped me allot with my story telling abilities. She really made me work at it. I'm sorry I made you feel bad with this poem, so let me share this with you. I didn't get to live with my Dad who wanted me, and my Dad was a good man. The man who nearly destroyed my life was my B-I-L who was nine years older than me. Another sister let it slip out to my Dad, what was going on and my Dad broke both his arms and his back. I'm glad he didn't kill him. B-I-L didn't press charges... Always, Cat
P

poewriter58

18 years 2 months ago

wow

many thanks Cat and I would work you overtime if it meant you writing even better than you do now it was a pleasure and does me proud to see the work that you are producing Chrys
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hey Chrys,

Now, If you could just teach me how to pick titles... I suck at it. (however this is one of my better titles) Always, Cat
P

poewriter58

18 years 2 months ago

cat

There comes a time when you have to spread those wings and fly on your own but I'll always be there watching this is that time your doing quite well Chrys
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi David, (IKnowNoBox)

Thanks for reading my piece and commenting on this controversial issue. Always, Cat p.s. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you but the system was acting funky for awhile.
Rob Graber

Rob Graber

18 years 2 months ago

Though the deluge of

Though the deluge of alliteration seems (to me) somehow an odd device for the subject, it is memorable; and this poem is definitely disturbing and depressing. In all, quite effective!
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Rob,

Thank you for your comments. It isn't a likeable poem, but I'm glad that you find it memorable. Always, Cat
M

marieycoronado

18 years 2 months ago

I’ve been wanting to

I've been wanting to comment, sometimes it is hard when all you want to do is forget but forget that never happens because it lives in a small closet in the back of my heart and it is so so sad that even though we are not the guilty party, we are the ones left broken so we do what we need to do and go on.... haunting you know the saddest thing is that in some crazy way, you wish they could just love you and admit that they hurt you, I don't know maybe this came out the wrong way Marie
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

marieycoronado

No, you didn't say it wrong. I understood it perfectly and I agree with you. Somehow we want to turn that wrong love into right love. Thank you so much for commenting. Always, Cat
andrew

andrew

18 years 2 months ago

test comment– in reply to

test comment-- in reply to "Cat" (rsscheerer). Original: http://www.neopoet.com/node/8997/23096#comment-23096 {IGNORE THIS -- just a test}
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Jess... Thank you

Jess... Thanks for your opinion, But I shall keep in mind that it is only your opinion. Enough may indeed be enough, but what do you expect me to do about it? as I will NOT delete it. I’m not forcing anyone to read it, and I didn’t say it was great, so exactly what is your point? Always, Cat
weirdelf

weirdelf

18 years 2 months ago

70 comments, incluiding your responses.

OK, it touched a nerve with lots of people but the poetry is not outstanding. No offense but tis is a stream that reacts to emotion more than critical feedback. I say enough is enough. cheers, Jess
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Jess... Thanks for your opinion,

But I shall keep in mind that it is only your opinion. Enough may indeed be enough, but what do you expect me to do about it? as I will NOT delete it. I'm not forcing anyone to read it, and I didn't say it was great, so exactly what is your point? Always, Cat
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

I would like

I would like to thank everyone who read this piece for their suggestions and kind words. Always, Cat
Mark

Mark

18 years 2 months ago

Controversial

The controversial subject matter will raise emotions for sure, so what to do? A string that will probably never be broken in comments and commonalities. Mark
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Anna

Thank you. I hope that your father found help for his condition. I hear being bi-polar, and untreated, can be like living in hell. Always, Cat
B

barbsdad2003

18 years 2 months ago

My daughter ...

at ten years old was sexually accosted, I think regularly thereafter, by her sleaze-ball stepfather. Thankfully, he died before she, in her early adulthood, told me the little about it that she did, so I didn't have to kill him. But with his natural death my anger over it didn't leave me, and still hasn't, some approx. 30 years after his expiratory happy (in retrospect) event. A brilliant piece here. You've captured, I think, the essence of good poetry---the feeling part, that is. Anything more is unnecessary. Thanx, Chuck PS: "If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that it is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know it is poetry. These are the only ways I know it. Is there any other way?" ---Emily Dickinson
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hello Chuck,

I can't imagine being ten years old and being sexually molested. It is hard enough at the age of thirteen. I am so glad that you didn't kill him because then she would have been traumatized even more by you being taken away from her. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. Always, Cat
M

muttering_madwoman

18 years 2 months ago

intensity

great use of alliteration to pound in the sharp edges of the point. don't mind me, just digging through everything you've posted, and enjoying it very much. but this is my favorite. Niki
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Hi Niki

I am honored that you read through my poems. Thank you for reading and for the comment! Always, Cat
wolfycat

wolfycat

18 years 2 months ago

Poetry is that...

Poetry is that which makes a person feel something...at least this is the way that I view it. It comes from our hearts. We can either like it or not...agree or disagree. We all have something to say, and this is something that pulls at my heart. In a small way, it also happened to me...but in the middle of the molestation, I was rescued by the friend of my great uncle. My dear rescuer and friend, Paul, told me to stay the heck away from this person. I was probably 6 or 7 years old, and knew nothing about life. My father was in and out of my life...and could have cared less. Thanks for sharing your heart with us in such a powerful way. Wolfy.
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

18 years 2 months ago

Wolfycat

Your comment was eloquently stated. I very much appreciate you reading and commenting on my poem. I am much pleased that you were rescued before you became a victim. All the best to you. Always, Cat
D

DarkinAZ

17 years 11 months ago

Wow,

I did not see this one, Great Job. And the last phrase I wrote so similiar in mine, that final plea must be a common one. Great write, on such a sad reality. Sincerely, Mar
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

16 years 10 months ago

Thanks Mark

Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I wasn't getting my e-mailed responses for awhile and I'm still not getting all of them. Hope you are well. Always, Cat