Member-only story
The Woman the Neighbors Scorn
an ode to my neighborhood bullies
My neighbors have earned an ode for bullying people. Since my husband (now ex) has left, suddenly they are treating me and my children poorly. They are adding to our horrible nightmare. It is devastatingly painful when neighbors turn on you. I dedicate this to them.
Friendliness faded
Community was only my imagining
When my husband left so did my buffer from you
Your “friendly curiosity” posed as concern
was only ever you pick axing into my business
as if my life is a mine
you are searching for bits of value
Only now can I see it
as your knives are in my back
You have wounded me
I can’t breathe from the pain
What is more infuriating than hurting me
you have wounded my children
on top of a strata of unspeakable wounds
Our agony has been unbearable
We have not the strength to endure your blows
Because of you we are crushed
You have broken us again
My daughter sobbing
you caused her to feel shame
