Rose & Thorn Poetry

In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. I wrote this poem because emotional abuse is often misunderstood or overlooked. Emotional abuse (sometimes referred to as psychological abuse) is when a person repetitively attempts to control or undermine another, most often verbally (e.g. criticism, blame, humiliation, threats) but can include other non-physical behavior as well (e.g. withholding affection, isolation, disrespecting boundaries, harsh treatment). Sometimes the abuser doesn’t realize what they’re doing or think that it is wrong, but it is. It is very harmful and destructive. While I wrote this poem about emotional abuse, all abuse is wrong. If you or someone you know is being abused, there are people who can help you. Call the number above if you need help. Learn what the signs of abuse are so you can help others. I posted links to some articles on emotional abuse below. " Emotional abuse is an attempt to control, in just the sa...

Because crying isn’t a bad thing. It’s natural. We get embarrassed because it shows we’re vulnerable. We feel uncomfortable because we know crying makes some people feel awkward. What do you do when you see someone crying? I never know. But I know it’s not a bad or shameful thing to cry when you are hurt. Sometimes I Choose to Cry They want to cheer me up It hurts them to see me cry How sweet for them to care How kind of them to try And comfort me. But something sad has happened I think it’s ok to cry. I want to feel sad For awhile Not forever but for now I think it’s ok to cry. I want to feel the sadness Because to move on is to ignore That something tragic happened Something that deserves to be acknowledged. I think it’s ok to cry. Sometimes I choose to cry Because I can’t And won’t pretend To be ok When everyone knows I’m not.