The Cost of Going Home
Choosing my future over a cycle of poverty and mistreatment.
I can't do this anymore
When I am all alone.
Walking and riding on the bus to your home,
The neighbourhood is poverty- stricken;
It makes me feel like all my progress is now hidden, Mom.
*
Don’t say it is you I don’t want to see.
I don't want to see him mistreating you.
It is hard to force someone to choose
To be a father
When it's easier to be
Misunderstood.
*
I know the reason why he left his ex wife:
The argument.
But you will argue to be right,
So now,
What is left?
*
I don't want to hold my sister.
I am too stressed.
To be a mother is arduous.
When you live with someone
The only reason for safety is
That you are left
Unfed.
*
I can’t raise the money to keep you alive.
I don't have the strength to chase you
Instead of my best.
Don't be upset
With what I've said;
I just can't go back to where I've been.
About the Creator
Caitlin Charlton
Noir Writer & Close Reader. Spotting the elements of Eloquence.
Survivor. Reclaiming my own territory.
Let us read each other and leave the page free. 🖋️🔥👠
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Keep reading
More stories from Caitlin Charlton and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (15)
This is raw and truth, I hear your voice in this as I read on. Powerful and I just want to hug you. Powerful lost for words. Thank you for letting us read. 💜🙏
I am truthfully feeling your Poetry though I am in a different position being at a temporary shelter as they fight reading. I want to go home, so bad, but not knowing what to expect by the dangers of misuse brings music of a different kind in my life. This poem has touched my heart, so much!
🫶🙏 This is sad. And your raw vulnerability is so powerful. I could tell you more about how affecting this poem is, but I'll just add my voice to the others to say: I'm praying your soul will be uplifted. Sending Love & Light to You, my friend. ⚡💙 Bill⚡
🙏🏾
Omgggg, this broke my heart so much 😭😭😭😭😭 I hope you are okay my sweet friend 🥺 Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
This was so sad, but that lime waa so powerful! You always need to look out for yourself!
I feel the pain in every word. The hardest lesson I had to learn. I'm sorry you had to go through it, too. Sending you hugs ❤️❤️
… even if it’s sad. I didn’t finish the sentence before. 🙄
Sometimes you must choose yourself. It’s survival. You write so beautifully. 💗
This was like looking into a mirror, Caitlin. Every word hit me so true. I moved from Tx to Mo just to leave my abusive childhood. From one pot, into the fire, though. But now, the chain is broken. I'm proud to be standing on my own two feet. <3
BLESSINGS
I felt the weight you carry woven throughout your words. Wonderfully written. What a hard thing to have to face.
Always choose yourself—it’s your job to lead by example how you should be treated (sometimes the hardest one in the world, one I’ve failed at multiple times). Become your own hero!💖💖💖💖this is brilliant and beautiful.
You've said it plainly. The sad truth about domestic situations.
Sometimes, choosing yourself is the only way to get out of the cycle. Beautifully written but so sad 🩵