Whispers of the Soul

A Selection of Poetry by PumaWalkingSoftly

Hurting Woman — June 23, 1998

This is a general poem about domestic violence. It was the first good poem I've written in the 9 years of my marriage and was just days after leaving home and moving into a domestic violence shelter.

The Dance of Life — June 28, 1998

After two weeks away from home I began to feel less desperation and hopelessness. I felt so carefree and hope was beginning to return.

Starting Over Isn't Easy — July 4, 1998

This poem was written after I told my husband I planned to file for divorce, and he expressed his anger and fury. He began playing legal games immediately and I was shocked, confused, angry, and hurt by the depths of desperation in my situation.

The End of Self-deception — July 4, 1998

A view of my husband's abuse of me with more clarity and understanding than I had early on; I had just realized that every time he placed his hands around the front of my throat he'd threatened to choke me, even though he'd say that he wouldn't hurt me. Also, I realized that he wasn't a "good man with a few idiosyncrasies" but an abusive spouse who would never change and I began to accept that the violence was a part of his personality, not just the normal outcome of stressful moments.

Battered Woman — July 5, 1998
First Published October 7, 1998

This is a general poem about domestic violence that is sharp and cutting but ends with a ray of hope. It was written as I was facing the depth and complexity of the struggle I'd been through with Mark and the struggle I was going through to create a new life.

Alone with Misery — July 10, 1998

The pain and desperation of my situation overwhelmed me for a while and the depression is expressed in this poem.

Onward and Upward: One Month Celebration — July 14, 1998
First Published October 7, 1998

This was written one month after getting off of the train. Early on I'd counted the days of my freedom (since the day I left my home), when I'd been away for a month and wrote this poem about the healing in that first month.

Silent No More — July 31, 1998, revised 2007

This is a poem describing my personal experiences of abuse... How I felt, how the physical & sexual abuse started, the damage of emotional abuse.

Victory Dance — August, 1998, revised 2007

I have a job offer, a home, and a new life on my own.

Writing of Lightning — August 20, 1998

A fun poem and the first written from my new home. About a thunderstorm (which I always enjoy, but especially at the end of a frustrating day).

One Day in September — September 16, 1998

About the changing seasons.

Speaking Out — September 16, 1998
First Published October 7, 1998

I was invited to speak at a Candlelighting Ceremony for victims of domestic violence on October 7th. This poem was written for that ceremony and is about how it feels to break the silence surrounding domestic violence. I also read "Battered Woman" and "Onward and Upward: One Month Celebration" at that ceremony.

Path of Tears — September 29, 1998

Crying through the agonizing pain of having been raped...

Without Telling a Lie — October 2, 1998

Written in devastation two weeks after a rape.

One Last Storm — October 3, 1998

A poem full of analogy and written as a final good-bye when I was suicidal in the aftermath of the rape.

Dream of Passion — October 16, 1998

Beginning to feel life's passion again and having a dream filled with yearning to share it.

What They See... — October 19, 1998

A comparison of what others see in me to what I see in myself...

Winter's Approach — October 19, 1998

About mid- to late autumn and the approaching winter.

Portage from Despair to Hope — October 20, 1998

Seeking hope despite feelings overwhelming me regarding the rape.

Dance With Me — November 3, 1998

Precious parenthood memories form as a young daughter asks her father to dance with her... Written for my best friend.

Winter's Grace — November 4, 1998

The first snowfall of the season.

Awaiting Passion — December 15, 1998

Love and lust and unfulfilled desires...

Secrets — December 17, 1998

A general poem about secrets.

Searching for Hope — December 28, 1998

A morning self-realization poem as I try to bring peace and hope more stably into my life once again...

Passion's Blaze — December 31, 1998

An erotic poem.

Revealing Secrets? — January 7, 1999

Debating whether to tell a new friend about intimate pain, yet knowing it's important to an issue at hand...

Hope's Dreams — February 1, 1999

Having found my soul's light and guidance again in my life now that the divorce is done. I'm sleeping through the night most nights after the rape, and finding peace and passion more and more...

Rebirth of Spring — February 15, 1999

Celebrating the release from Winter's grip.

Love's Bond — April 8, 1999
Essence of Love — April 9, 1999
In Love's Arms — May 2, 1999

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