Good God Dagmar, this really is a dark poem!
When I first read the title and saw it in the 'dark' category, I thought you were taking permanent and premature leave of us! On the other hand, after reading the poem, it's no less dark but in a very different way.
Sometimes, saying goodbye to these 'dark' entities - be them physical or mental - is the only option. They become the metaphorical albatross around the neck that needs to be discarded in order for us to move on.
As you so rightly point out, in these scenarios, it is never the child's fault for feeling like this - the parents are always to blame.
The way you have ended this took me by surprise and truly is shocking; but these topics need to hit home and shock in order to have the needed impact on people.

Another important write and - as dark as it is - it has a certain inspirational quality to it again.

All the best
Ben

Hello Dagmar,

This poem is powerful and honest. It describes a tortured childhood. A stolen time where youth was indeed stolen. How can one escape those words and memories that still haunt through day and night.

Well, maybe the long farewell has come; leading to add place where the harm is understood for its plain cruelty and no more. Now it's time to move on and live
Your life without the baggage of 'dad '

Well done and thank you for posting this.

((Hugs) )

Absolutely beautiful Dagmar! Incredibly dark yes but what a sendoff to a horrible man! It takes a lot of strength and courage to tell someone who has had so much control over you goodbye and you wish him Godspeed-take care-Brenda

Your poem is dark but very vivid and strong. Conflict and resolution.
A son with every reason to hate the father who persecuted him throughout his life. Robbing him of his youth and adulthood. He could have understandably hated his father and wished the worst on him because of the pain and suffering that this man inflicted on him.

The son has put aside all that his father has done and chosen instead of hate to forgive and pray for his father. Showing the strength and goodness in this man and his ability to take control of his life in-spite of what has gone on before.

Thank you all so very much, it means a great deal. Crimes like this often stay unnoticed until much later on. It's a touching subject we really don't want to or can't talk about it. I had to get it out of my system.

Dagmar,

This is dark but brutally honest and as they say 'honesty is the best policy'
It's good that you can talk about it as not very many can and I feel it does help with the healing process.

Take care, Em