Photograph by Sawyer Roque

“Forever Mine”

Bouquet of flowers placed

on my work bench

satin ribbon tied in a bow

sterling silver and gems

set neatly to the side

a message, a thank you note

…you were terrific last night

a heart with an arrow drawn through

offenders artistic camouflage

pinned to the sleeve

of my jean jacket

never forget — insidious memory

he walks behind me, leans in

whispers…you look beautiful today

his breath on my neck

inside I recoil outside I am still 

a glimpse, shadowy images

blur and fade in fade out

— over time

nothing makes sense 

there is no rhythm, no rhyme

the nightmare is forever mine

…forever mine

About the Author

“I am not an open book – yet, I write on an emotional level, below the surface. Reveal and conceal, conceal and reveal without smoke and mirrors; high wire intensity and in many layers.

My writing comes from my personal experiences; not with cathartic intent but from a gut reaction to how life; past and present; taps into a sense of responsibility I feel to the magic of being able to string words together. Words that can conjure up images of peace, tranquility, love or stir the proverbial pot and send a message to “kiss off”.”

On “Forever Mine” — “There was a time, not that long ago, when there were no labels attached to the sexual violence that so many women experienced; especially if the assault was by someone you knew. There was no "me too" movement or "date rape" wording to identify the experience or any type of societal support system in place for women. This piece is about a date rape that was my secret and never revealed...until now”

-Trilby Yates