BREACH OF SANCTITY

I love your form. Little isolated thoughts. I love how some short lines are shut in alone. I love some lines contine, with no caps. That's something I just love-- single sentences broken into parts-- something only poetry can do. Your vocabulary never ceases to impress. And thing I love the most is that it comes The Department of Necessity. Thats SO cold. It's like a personal poetic version of Big Brother's Ministry of Truth. Best of luck in the Challenge. My own entry for this one ran into a small snag (check out my feed if you're so inclined), but all the better. It's hard-impossible to outshine poetry like this. ⚡️💙⚡️

Putting aside the emotional aspect for a second, this poem is very well written. There is a determination in your writing. The words you chose create an undeniable focus that keeps the reader emotionally invested and intellectually charged. You did a great job with this poem. I could feel your pain as you bring to light the darkness in this man’s soul. Sadly the end does not show resolve or an escape from the abuse as he continues to live the image of your body instead of loving you. Living (or dealing) with a cheater is emotionally draining and leads to so much anger and low self esteem. But a gas lighter takes the lying and cheating to a whole different level of darkness and evil intent. A Gaslighter can stand right there in front of you with a smile on their face and a friendly tone in their voice treat your emotions to the point where you want to believe them and surrender to them. All the while knowing that you really cannot trust them. I have a lot of experience with a gaslighter and it takes a very strong person to see what they’re doing and not let them conquer you. Blessings to you, Caitlin.

“​The tugging at the device is an exaction of the policy, ~ ​and resistance shall be rejected as emotional burden.” For fuck’s sake, I would say you’re on a roll but that would imply you were not previously on a roll, and that would be a lie. Your evisceration holds space for the broken-hearted girl who collapses and also seethes at the same time. I would 100% love to hear this one spoken aloud by you!

Wow thank you so much for sharing this, you would help so many woman out there with your poems. I really felt this one very powerful and heartbreaking 💔 thank you we need pieces like this in vocal such strength my lovely 💜

If you belong to a women's group of some kind or start one this poem you should share when applicable. Great work.

I admire your courage in sharing something so personal. The way you articulate the cold mechanics of manipulation is both chilling and illuminating. It made me reflect on how society often ignores these subtle violences.

I'm so sorry you experienced this 😭😭 I know that this must have been difficult to write but you still did it and I admire your strength for that. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️

I agree wit AJ...this tracks too well for women, especially those who've had their feelings trampled on in any way, shape or form, and the weight of the issue was felt here:"​The human emanation of your voice ~ ​will be rebuked as though it belonged to a man."

What a powerful poem! Unfortunately, it is far too relatable. Even if she's never been cheated on, I think every woman has experienced that feeling of being disregarded, silenced, or reduced to a sexual object by men who don't value her. The emotionless was you delivered this message just made the weight of that feeling feel so sharp. Very well done. Best of luck in the challenge. I think this is a real contender for sure!

Wow. Your amazing restraint in this is what gives it so much power. To discipline your feelings and thoughts into this (with the knowledge in your note), shows remarkable authorial sovereignty. Stellar work (as usual).💖💖

This hurts to read, Caitlin. The suppression of the woman’s voice and her reduction from personhood to a body in service to male desire on demand is unjust and deeply wounding. This is an important reminder that the objectification of women comes at a steep price. Great entry to the challenge and good luck!

This is so disturbing and heavy, Caitlin, I'm glad it's all behind you. Stay healed, my friend.

I’m so sorry you went through this. Turning something so painful into art like this takes real strength.

Another unfiltered brutal bit of honest from you. As someone who sadly was a cheater of sorts and a gaslight I am still suffering from the repercussions of my actions and the impact it had on my marriage and still does because of my own addiction. So this was a hard read but a necessary and clever one..excellent approach to the challenge, my friend