"Rush Hour" by Elaine Terranova (p. 644)

I am yet again drawn to another poem about children. This one is not as upbeat and sunshiny as I would like but it does show an important side that needs to be talked about. The more that child abuse is hidden and acted like we cannot talk about it the more it will happen.

This poem depicts a mother and her two small children. They look like they have been physically abused by the other passengers on the train. The mother wears dark glasses, the little boy’s face is hurt, and the little girl has a cast on her arm. I hope that the mother is escaping and not going back.

I felt sadness for the children and having a friend that was once the victim of domestic violence, I could relate to this poem. She always made excuses to everyone for her bumps and bruises yet I always knew different. My house was where she always escaped to. It is sad because the ones not in that situation always try to judge and give commands for what should be done. They do not understand what that person could possibly be feeling and going through. The ease is not there and the fear of what will happen if they leave is worse than the pain they endure. All that the outsider can do is be supportive, listen, and be there by their side to ice the pain. Calling the cops for them only makes it worse and it doesn’t make a hero, only a villain.

I felt for the woman in this poem and understand her pain. I feel this poem is the true side of an ugly fact. I think people need to make this sad fact something they talk about and not just whisper about behind backs and closed doors. Sometimes just offer a shoulder to lean on!