First Poetry Reading for Domestic Abuse Survivors by Alice Shapiro
It was too early. So
my sister and I sat down on a concrete stoop outside the gray 4-story building catching a few late-day rays and watching remnant rush-hour traffic. It was small-town peaceful. We exchanged small talk in hushed tones -- I suppose to not disturb this idyllic scene, but it was certainly polar opposite to what was coming next. My first poetry reading for domestic abuse survivors at a local shelter was about to begin.I had been briefed before the reading with a stack of documents describing the signs of domestic abuse. It was chilling. At 6:30PM we went inside and now I was staring at 10 beautiful faces, wondering what I could possible say that would make any difference.
Of course, I was there to give back to my community, but also wanted to gain speaking experience in front of an audience. Since I signed a confidentiality agreement, I cannot divulge what was discussed at the reading, something akin to faux doctor-client privilege. But I knew the ladies were energized, perhaps encouraged, because they laughed at and asked for a copy of a poem I read. It is called "Crime."
Although it is early in my reading career I have come away from this first experience with a joy and a satisfaction that poetry is both worthy and powerful.
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