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This Poem was Submitted By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2007-05-28 22:22:42 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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The unspeakable word, 'no; flew Out of my mouth into the air Energized of a whirlwind At last power from within Led me to speak from a true heart Often in weakness, I would reply 'Yes' it was the easy way Cowardly conformity to the many The countless wanting to suck Blood from the vein leaving me prey To their repeated desires No, I say again, and the more I repeat it The easier it becomes To say it againâ€¦â€¦

This Poem was Critiqued By: James C. Horak On Date: 2007-06-06 14:33:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Women are too often taught to be accommodating from birth, the idea being, I suppose, some left-over form, "how nice and retiring good marriageable material should in ideal be". While later only to compound the resentment and unbearable loathing they must feel for this inferior station in life. No, the downsides to liberation pale when compared to the inequities of such "traditions". That it is abundantly harder for any woman today to wear the mantle of success either socially or in business, goes without saying. But, as your poem expresses, being able to say, "No!" has its own significance...saying it emphatically and without trepidation. More than just a symbol, but a euphemism for unfettered self-expression. JCH

This Poem was Critiqued By: Mark Andrew Hislop On Date: 2007-06-03 18:34:32
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dellena Nice, thoughtful piece. The multiple periods on the last line ... on my initial reading I felt it weakens the effect. But if you have deliberately aimed for that then it adds an intriguing overlay ... "I can say no again, really I can!" Almost like the lady doth protest too much, revealing her actual uncertainty as to whether she COULD actually say no again so easily. Best wishes Mark

This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2007-05-30 05:37:34
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 8.73333
Good morning Poet......and what a powerful word NO has become.......glad to see it made it through the struggle and that you have become a stronger person for finding it. Indeed, I agree it is much easier at times to give in, agree with, let someone push you over for their own purposes, but try saying NO just once to such an individual, especially when it is your grown up child, and their world falls apart as yours becomes a safer place to be.........certainly we have all been in this place and for me, personally, I am still having a hard time to always find the word NO when I need it most. Thanks for posting and for sharing but most of all for caring not only about you but about those you love too. God Bless, Claire

This Poem was Critiqued By: DeniMari Z. On Date: 2007-05-29 20:04:54
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Dellena, Love the message in this poem - because I can relate to it in my life. Good, direct, and easy to comprehend. Also packs a punch with a good lesson to learn in life, whether male or female. "No", so simple yet sometimes so hard to say. This poem bares emotions of how someone would feel - when used - great descriptive of that feeling. Sucks blood from the vein - I can also relate - to the feeling that makes you feel, empty, drained and never fulfilled. Good write - can't see anything that I would change in this. I like the mellow ending - of repetition sinking in, so it becomes more easy to say no. sincerely, Denimari

This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2007-05-29 10:58:57
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.93750
Dellena, You've stated the problem so many of us fall victim too. In this readers mind you've left nothing unsaid and you've given some sage advice that in practicing saying "no" it becomes much easier. This is a good echoing of the mass problem so many become mired in without realization, thanks for a heads up; for me anyway. No nits from this reader. Best always, Lora

This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2007-05-28 22:39:31
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dellena, you know, forgive me. I haven't a clue as to what you are talking about. Saying no, when you should say yes (for whateve reason?) Saying no, just because there are instances when it is the right answer? Saying no, as a vehicle of the language? No, I think, that turning your back on something important; and the no becomes easier as the justification pile up. No, Dellena, maybe you drummed it into me and I finally understand.

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