Reviews from

I Will No Longer Wear Your Coat

For all victims of sexual abuse

59 total reviews 
Comment from SteveI
Excellent
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It truly makes me angry when I do not have a six to give aaaarrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

"Vengance is mine saith the Lord" but I say no. Vengance is not, it is mine. Sometimes you scare me beyond words. I am 54 and I believe that I have the right to take the life of the person who gave me a coat. Who believed you had a coat at 54? Where was god while you wore that coat and I wore mine for so many, many years, certainly not with you or I.
I also will take the right to make the person who would dare to give one of my children a coat and if there is a God he will not be able to save the person who gave one of my grandchildren a coat.
Dolly Parton sings of a coat of many colors. The coats you speak of have many colors. The color of sexual abuse, the color of emotional abuse, the color of physical abuse, the color of neglect, the color of a kindergarten who fails at school. How can there be a God who would allow a five year old child to wear the coat of disgrace of failing kindergarten?

Daniel was a freshman when he became my student. He wore two t-shirts, a flannel long sleeve shirt buttoned to the neck and two buttons on the sleeves and a long, black zip up hooded jacket with two pair of underwear and two pair of jeans, two pair of socks and shoes that I do not think Houdini could have untied. Hisown Father gave him the coat of body armor that he work from August at 115 degrees through winter and back to May at 115 degrees. He smelled bad enough to keep disney birds from Snow White.
But by the time he was a Senior he wore a white t-shirt with jeans one pair of socks and new tennis shoes. I believe that Daniel should have the right to make his Father wear what ever Daniel wants him to wear. Daniel should rule his Fathers destiny and throw him to the lions.
Your so amazing. You light fires of rage and anger in me and I allow myself to think of things better left unsaid.

The book I wrote is dedicated in the front
"To every unheard child" and only I know what it truly means and so do you! I wish I had you for a sister

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 14-May-2008
    Stevel, we can be siblings of heart. I now declare myself Stevel's newest sister. PM me your address and I'll mail you a copy of my book. It basically outlines my process of healing through 50 poems. Very early in my book I say "Children should be seen and heard and believed." You and I both know what it means. Love, Jan
Comment from Eleiece K.
Excellent
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As I read your poem, it's like I was watching a movie in my head of this one confronting the "thief" who stole her innocence without compunction or regret. It brought to mind someone I know who was also thusly robbed, though not as a child. My compliments indeed on a well-written piece.

Best regards,

Eleiece K.

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, Eleiece K. I think a lot of it applies no matter the age. love, jan
Comment from empire76
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This is a powerful poem. I am reminded of a movie that I watched title When he's not a Stranger. It wasn't about a child but was about rape and was so sad how people didn't believe the victim. Another reason why they are not reported.
Thanks for sharing this inspirational piece
Empi

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, empire 76. In 77% of the cases, the person is not a stranger. love, jan
Comment from NadineM
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This poem is so well-written and presented. The artwork is a perfect compliment.

Your message is empowering and inspirational. Only someone who lived through such horrific abuse could write such compelling words in hopes of encouraging someone else through their journey of survival and healing.

Thank-you for shining a bright light on the truth behind sexual abuse. I know your writing has touched the heart of someone hurting; I also hope it helps deter someone perpetrating this abuse on a child.

I especially liked the format you used in this poem, the presentation is flawless.

God bless you in your own healing, as well as your endeavour to support and encourage others who've also suffered.
Thanks for sharing this with me.

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, again, NadineM. love, jan
Comment from Falafa
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What a remarkable poem. Well done. And you're a remarkable person. Holding on to that guilt for so many years. It cannot image how difficult it was to work through those hurdles to heal. Thank you for sharing it.

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, Falafa. God blessed me with the ability to compartmentalize things so I only had to deal with that guilt in short periods at a time until it all came crashing down in my late 40s. love, jan
Comment from samuelzane
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I like Biblical stuff. I like the message, that "I will not be shrouded by your wrongdoing" vibe, but (and this comment is NOT PC, but hey, PC isn't me...) but, focusing and refocusing on a painful event in one's life (e.g. molestation) does not help a perdon to move past it, it just helps them get another point-of-view on the same sad stuff... why do that to yourself???

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 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    samuelzane, this was a victory statement at the end of my book of poetry on this subject. Writing about the issue is cathartic plus it helps other victims who have not yet dealt with their demons know they can heal (at least that is what they have related to me). I have healed with the assistance of a marvelous Christian therapist who asked me to pen my book to show others the way. Her practice uses it in group therapy as well as another practice. Numerous others have told me they find much in my book that has helped them seek the help they need to exorcise their demons. It did help me move past the pain in my life. I now share it with others in the hopes it will help them. According to the largest percentage of the feedback I get, it does. Thanks for your insights. Love, Jan
Comment from Wendyanne
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Hi Jan. This is certainly an extremely well written powerful piece of poetry about children being made to feel guilty for acts beyond their control. Guilt is a very heavy coat to wear and I wear mine all the time although my abuse was not quite as invasive as many others. My abuse was more complex and has to remain under wraps forever. Well done

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    I'm sorry you feel yours has to remain under wraps. Forgiveness is so freeing. I will pray for you. Love, Jan
Comment from William Walz
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very touching and moving. this conveys so much meaning and sadness and is so well written. seems just about perfect in tone and execution. no negatives at all.

 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, wwwalzes. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you. I look forward to reading some of your work soon. love, jan
reply by William Walz on 09-May-2008
    i have lots of stuff out there. i wish someone would read it. thanks
Comment from jshep
Excellent
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A powerful poem. Written with depth and great emotion, which is understandable. The presentation was amazing. The free verse and form only adding to the power of the message. Found no errors. Absolutely no changes recommended.

Congratulations for being able to write this, and write it so well.

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 Comment Written 09-May-2008


reply by the author on 09-May-2008
    thanks, jshep. it is the closing poem to my book which is noted on my profile. I consider it my "victory" poem. love, jan