I Remember — Poetry Reading for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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“I Remember” written and performed by Rita Mock-Pike, directed by Sue Cook for the MockingOwl Roost.
**Trigger warnings: References to domestic violence and sexual assault.**
“Submit,” they said
to men of God
to dads and preachers,
brothers and deacons.
“Release,” they said,
your will, your call,
your agency, your voice.
But years ago
in a trailer
in Big Bend
One voice spoke
and I remember
my call, my voice,
my song.
Tears and bath,
songs and prayers
release the angst
of decades of dark,
years of pain,
truths sheltered from the light.
With release
I forgive.
He called himself patriarch.
I let go.
He neglected love.
I let go.
He assaulted my body.
I let go.
Without trust,
without surrender,
I let go.
We fight the darkness,
we fight misogyny.
We’re worn.
We’re wounded.
But we are not done.
My voice will be
heard above the din.
My song will rise
for God composed it,
gifted me,
lifted me,
saying,
“I give you words
to write,
to speak,
to sing.
I give you voice.”
I remember.
Today begins domestic violence awareness month. At the MockingOwl Roost we are incredibly aware of these dangers and the physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual harm many have experienced at the hands of abusers in all environs. We see you. We hear you. We long for your well-being and healing.
If you in any way in danger of abuse and reading this, we encourage you to reach out to one of the national and international hotlines to receive support and assistance. You are worthy of love, health, and healing. You deserve to be free of these painful relationships and harmful situations. Please reach out.
You are not alone.
We are not done. We will keep fighting. We will keeping speaking out against injustice.
- “Dear Pastor Who Blamed Me for Being Abused” – Things I Wish I Had Said
- Known – Poetry Reading
- Divergent Memory of a Burning Heap – Writing Memories
- Domestic Violence Awareness Special Magazine Issue
- Crimson Moxie – Protest Poetry Reading
- Thank You God, I’m Leaving Here – Personal Essay
- Chartreuse – Protest Poetry Reading
Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
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