Witnessing II

Honesty is the essential problem of all abused children.

First we must determine what the reality around us is,
defining with eyes unclouded by other people's wants and needs.

They we must learn unremitting honesty with ourselves.

The temptation will be to bend the truth here,
because it's more convenient,
because no one gets upset,
because we wish to please;
or tell partial truths there; misguided altruism,
wanting to protect someone else's feelings.

No matter how hard we work to speak the truth,
there will always be other old, abused children,
crying out to us to keep the secrets,
and other old abusers,
demanding the complicity of our silence.

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poem by Lynn Cohen
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Priced to move quickly

This is an exclusive listing,
one of the nicer properties we've had.
If you like it, you should make an offer.
It won't stay on the market long.

They intended it as a retirement home.

The house itself is only five years old.
The kitchen is fully appliance,
everything in mint condition,
hardly used at all.
The dining area sits six.
If you remove this leaf,
it's perfect for two.
As we move into the living room
I should point out,
the larger sofa's a sleeper.
And look at this view!
You can walk across your lawn
and be at the beach.

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poem by Lynn Cohen
Added by Poetry Lover
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