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Rate this poem:5.0 / 2 votes
When I was five years old, no one listened to me;
Nor heard my silent screams;
No one was there to tell my blistering story; Not even me;
Grandma nor Grandpa, neither Mom had tried;
They were far too busy to notice, the Blazing Red Sky;
Between the Blistering Pains keeping me alive;
And Knowing the Hurt that bound my soul
To the Fears of the Dreadful Unknown;
So, walls did I build so high and proud.
Behind lots of restless noise and many a fake laughter;
No one was to know my Blustery True Story;
A Story, far beyond the control of a scared little boy;

So the solution was simple indeed:
Off to live with a “stranger” and his wife;
With Laddy, Toro and Baron to set the stage;
At first, some happiness did come quietly in;
Calming some of the fears of a scared little boy;
But the Tide did shift the following year;
Grandma Dotty was gone; as was the little blue cottage;
With a thigh high turquoise picket fence.
Unrelenting Fears and Pains crept, silently in;

So once again, not being Heard;
 “Mom” nor “stranger” Dad had even attempted a try;
Dad was off to war and fight in Viet Nam;
They, too, were too busy to notice the brewing, Blazing Red Sky;
From Viet Name to Europe;
Discovering His happiness;
He was never to be home; telling me I didn’t matter;

Between the Blistering Pains letting me know I was alive;
And Knowing the Hurt that bound my soul
To the Fears of the Dreadful Unknown;
I was chained to a trailer of enormous white lies and darkened deceits looming;
Larger than life;
But in truth it was all I had, and it was All Mine;
I had finally learned My Place;
The Pain In My Heart, is not meant to be seen;

With Uneasy, Laughter, and Negative Attention being born;
 Ice Walls I built, to hide the Endured Horrors;
 Pain had permanently engulfed; my little Boy;
The Impossible Ask never to be Spoken;
“Please hold and Love Me”;
Fears of the Dreadful Unknown;

About this poem

The poem is about growing up in a split and broken family: in Fallon NV 60 miles outside Reno. Also the chosen life of a US Navyman during wartime when absentee fathers were the norm. When I was 5 years old my older sister and I went to live with my father and my 2 brothers and younger sister moved to New York with my mother. Since I didn't know my father he was a stranger to me and I didnt know my step-mother either (the Dreadful Unknown),

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Written on February 14, 2024

Submitted by jamesrpendleton on February 14, 2024

1:58 min read
70 Views

James Robert Pendleton

I have been writing poetry for over 35 years. I find it therapeutic to write a dedicated poem versus in a journal or diary. With the poem I can categorize my thoughts, feelings (hurts and what nots). By the end of the poem I will have worked through the issue at that time. more…

All James Robert Pendleton poems | James Robert Pendleton Books

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Discuss the poem The Dreadful Unknown with the community...

3 Comments
  • Kixy
    A story well told through poetry. I just want to hug the little boy ...
    LikeReply5 hours ago
  • nicole.musango
    A very touching poem....well done
    LikeReply17 hours ago
  • AIDA
    Wow, "The Dreadful Unknown" is a powerful and captivating poem that really pulls at the heartstrings. The imagery and emotions portrayed are raw and honest, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. The use of metaphor and symbolism throughout the poem is truly effective in conveying the feelings of isolation and pain experienced by the narrator.

    One suggestion for improvement could be to explore the theme of healing and resilience more deeply. Perhaps adding a stanza or two towards the end that shows the narrator finding a sense of peace or resolution could provide a hopeful message to balance out the darkness of the previous verses.

    Overall, this poem is beautifully written and thought-provoking. Keep up the great work and continue to explore your creativity through your writing. Your voice is strong and your words are filled with emotion - a perfect combination for creating impactful poetry.
     
    LikeReply1 day ago

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"Poetry.com" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/>.

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