deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Broken Child
“According to family members, Pearl and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, would call Gabriel “gay.” In fact, the first thing he told law enforcement when they responded to the 911 call was that Gabriel Fernandez [aged 8] was gay, which confused officers.” - thewrap.com, “‘Trials of Gabriel Fernandez’: 9 Most Shocking Details About the Murder at Heart of Netflix Documentary”
Just over ten years ago now, but still
your name is resonant with pain
and all the crass human stupidities that chill
the honest heart, a piece of grain
that taints the whole bushel.
I cannot even comprehend what it is you felt,
so young your world was narrowed to
the sick distorted view of love spelt
out by your parents. The usual wish to
hurt and kill such criminals comes about.
But such is nought, a useless rage,
a clattering of knives in a drum.
You were sweet, sincere, an unblemished page,
and that’s why they saw just parts of a sum.
Just over ten years ago now, but still
your name is resonant with pain
and all the crass human stupidities that chill
the honest heart, a piece of grain
that taints the whole bushel.
I cannot even comprehend what it is you felt,
so young your world was narrowed to
the sick distorted view of love spelt
out by your parents. The usual wish to
hurt and kill such criminals comes about.
But such is nought, a useless rage,
a clattering of knives in a drum.
You were sweet, sincere, an unblemished page,
and that’s why they saw just parts of a sum.
Published 18th May 2024
Author's Note
Inspired by the much better “Deceptions” by Philip Larkin, also about making sense of child abuse: https://allpoetry.com/poem/8495693-Deceptions-by-Philip-Larkin
I wasn’t sure whether to give this one an adult rating, or a trigger warning, or if the title and opening quote are enough. Let me know if you think it needs a greater warning.
I wasn’t sure whether to give this one an adult rating, or a trigger warning, or if the title and opening quote are enough. Let me know if you think it needs a greater warning.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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comments 2
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
18th May 2024 4:10pm
I don't think it needs a warning. It's a heartbreaking story but beautiful tribute to his name.
He and Matthew Shepperd are two I cannot forget.
He and Matthew Shepperd are two I cannot forget.
19th May 2024 2:17am
Dear CR,
Mind blowing. This makes me think how distorted human thinking and behavior actually is. A very thoughtful write. H🌷
Mind blowing. This makes me think how distorted human thinking and behavior actually is. A very thoughtful write. H🌷
