I felt your suffering in each line.
Most of the women give up at some point, either they get used to it or try to suicide.
I am happy that you tried and got yourself out of it.
It's good to know you are living the life you have always waited for.

Stay blessed and happy!

Wow. Where to begin...the piece flows amazingly well and when reading it out loud - the tone and demeanor is so clear to reader. The snake references were powerful and my favorite part...'slithering in, breeding dissention, snapping heart strings.' Just a talent to be able to word your emotions so powerfully. Great one Brenda!

My Queen, this is wonderfully expressed. Yes, I too love the snake references in it...it was very fitting to describe how this man acted towards you and your girls. Love the powerful ending! Loved it!

My wonderful American friend Brenda where the heck to start? This is honest, raw, emotional and though somewhat sad I kind of see the light at the end of the very dark tunnel you were in with this snake because you are now really happy which is something you my dear deserve.

I love the title because I believe it states "my life started after you left you sun of a big itch!!" Am I right or am I right lol

1/ I absolutely loved the word 'sloughed' and believe that's all you can do with snakes like this. I also like the subtle rhyming here to, the imagery is quite powerful because I imagine you shedding this vile man off your skin and him slithering away like the snake he was for your life to begin!

2/ omg this part did make me shed a couple (thousand) tears because the imagery is very sad. You let this man into your life and put up with his sh!t for 18 years - letting him belittle the wonderful woman you are and my goodness just imagining the things he put you through is enough to make my blood boil.

3/ I like how you started this with 'stepping off that cliff' because I know just how much of a long way down it looks or should I say a long way up it looks because we are at rock bottom when these turds walk all over us but what does it mean when we're at rock bottom theres only one way up right?? Indeed there is. It's got to be difficult having kids involved I mean I know I sort of did but for them to witness things and sometimes be at the end of it too must have been heartwrenching in itself.

4/ I literally screamed at this part because I thought yes, she's done it rid of the snake and then he's back (I hope not now) causing trouble, stirring stuff and making you out to be the bad guy - just a general snake then. The words you use here for me are just right they show the emotions you felt and probably still feel towards this creature (was going to say man but he isn't sorry)

5/ I'm in tears - this is heartwrenching and I cannot even begin to imagine what you went through.

6/ I literally wooped here! You go B.

Love you lady.
Em x

A poem bristling with inner strength and determination, Brenda. Well done indeed.

Ben

Miss Brenda,

Such a brave and wonderful lady you are, and blooming good for you
this is a fabulous piece from you lady :)

Much love

Michael

I love this! YOU are a strong woman Brenda. This poem is beautiful written and packs a punch. Very gorgeous. Favorite for sure

-Court

Your strenght speaks for itself. Awesome peace. Hugs and be blessed

You are strong and talented. Let no man ever take that away again. I'm so glad you got your happy ending. Something a man like that will never experience. Take care Milly x

This though the words are heart filled with pain,
they portray the inner strength which you possess and
never allow anyone or any man to make you feel low in
every way...rake care

i love your use of metaphors. they work well in representing the reptilian revulsion and heavy emotional pressure.

well written piece that is worthy of its award.

all the best, LR

Life starts when we find true love or it finds us.

JUDGING COMMENT:
Life starts by Brenda points 4
Brenda may not write as often as we'd like but when she writes it's with a strength that only people who have been through such horrible times will understand. Her words and her layout are perfect, as ever, in my eyes. I find myself saying again this week well done on sharing and overcoming these challenges head on - you are an inspirational lady.

Stunning and strong write Brenda!
I know this path well. This too has been my trajectory. My poems are my catharsis in my continuing rise from those ashes and I love to read other's expression of their liberation.