by Tom M. | May 15, 2023 | ACA And The Arts, ComLine
THE PACKAGE(A short poem about my struggle to face the ugly truth about family dysfunction.) A package appears on my desk,addressed to me.It’s from my parents.I see the label: Family Secrets. I know the rules:do not open under any circumstance.But the package calls to...
by Gretchen W. | Mar 15, 2023 | ACA Toolbox
I have spent most of my life drowning. Every time I came up for air there was a thumb pushing me under. If the thumb was taking a break, there was someone’s opinion, dragging me under. A constant battle of gasping for air. No break in the waves of trauma as far as the...
by Tom M. | Nov 1, 2022 | ACA And The Arts, ComLine
I was fourteenand sick of daddy-Monster’s violence.I did not know who I was.I had heard too many lies. Too many beatings.Too many slaps across the face.Too many unpredictable eruptions.Too much terror. Too much ridicule.Too many disparaging comments.Too many hostile...
by Tom M. | Jul 15, 2022 | ACA And The Arts, ComLine
Note to my fellow travelers: A significant and meaningful part of my healing journey involves confronting my abusers through my writing. Here is one such poem. Dear Great-Great Grand-Monster:I don’t know you.I never met you.I’m glad I never met you. But I’ve read some...