Laura Breidenthal | + Follow Poet |
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I Am Not the Only Girl

When I was a child,
I found my mother sobbing
in the bathroom—
I never asked her why—
I just knew.

And I stayed with her—
I consoled her like she 
would for me during my 
worst nightmares.

How does one console 
the tortured in waking life? 

In that moment,
I realized I was not the only
girl unhappy in my home—
I am not the only girl
to cry in this world...

-Variations of Bitterness XIII-

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Duke Beaufort Date: 12/14/2023 6:04:00 PM You point out with passion the plenty of hurt to go around. The title is something I'm thinking about as I reflect on this with a smile in my head...your expression and practice of empathy is admirable. You are a natural leader and help guide those of us in need of a little adjustment in thinking. It's just a real pleasure to have the privilege to read your work and leave you a brief comment. I'll repeat...Reading this is really a pleasure and it does something very smiley/powerful in my head. Login to Reply

Stephan McBride Date: 12/28/2022 4:48:00 PM Love felt from you and your mom in these times, one would be there for the other in times of need, we all need love and encouragement in these times, May God bless , comfort , guide and fill you in abundance in His love, peace and joy,. Much love to you and your family Login to Reply

Justin Bordner Date: 6/24/2021 1:55:00 PM Tears are so rich with genuine life...I've felt and learned so much about life through tears. I embrace my tears as if they were million dollar songs Poetess. I love your trauma poetry...Justin Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 7/3/2021 4:42:00 AM Justin you are not afraid of sorrow because your life embodied it-- knows it. And I thank you for your presence on my page, drying up some of those tears shed. <3 ~Laura

Alexis Y. Date: 6/14/2021 9:42:00 PM WoW! Laura, Your title alone caught my attention. As I started to read, I wasn’t disappointed. At that moment, the roles were reversed, and in a way, you became the parent. I found your last stanza to be powerful and impactful. Excellent job. Have a good evening-Alexis Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 6/17/2021 4:04:00 AM Yes exactly, Alexis. You are a perceptive reader. I really appreciate your amazing feedback. <3 always, Laura

Diane Perna Date: 6/14/2021 7:59:00 PM Profound, I can relate. Excellent work. Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 6/14/2021 9:00:00 PM Thanks for the kind words, Diane. Sending love..always, Laura

David Scott Date: 6/11/2021 11:33:00 PM Mental wounds stay dorment but your turning a negitive into a possitive with a great peace of writing my friend hope you well xx Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 6/12/2021 12:39:00 AM Thanks, David. I appreciate your kind words. Always, Laura

Rico Leffanta Date: 6/11/2021 11:28:00 AM God gave everyone two feet to walk away ..... Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 6/12/2021 12:39:00 AM True. Always, Laura

Jan Allison Date: 6/11/2021 8:59:00 AM What a heartbreaking scene Laura, There are things no child should witness, I know bruises can be covered up but to see and hear someone sobbing is something that can't be hidden. hugs jan xx Login to Reply Laura Breidenthal Date: 6/12/2021 12:38:00 AM Hugs, thanks Jan, for your kind words. It is a memory that has always stayed with me. Always, Laura