Acrylic on canvas, 9×12 by Amy Barlow (Liberatore)
Determined Swimmer
She’s good in water
A determined swimmer
An athlete going for the gold
With each stroke, determination grows
Hope flows with coursing blood
(a flash of daddy’s face)
Swimming for her life
or because of it
Because water will wash away
traces of THAT
Wash her clean of past, passed
(what happened, over and over again)
Almost there
Air collapsing from her lungs outward
The sea, an effervescent bubble mass
of inside, now outside
(he’s dead yet alive, too alive and too strong)
The picture fades from view
Her eyes shine in a wide-awake stare
A limp doll sleeping
on solid ground
at last
© 2015 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
The painting says it all, if you understand her determination. I have felt like this, too many times. May all who have been abused find peace… peace that does not need this kind of plunge. Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Anita
Touching words, Amy.
Yes, you had mentioned earlier that you have faced abuse.
Wish no one had to face such unpleasant experiences. Such a sinking feeling.
Hope you find strength & forget all the abuse & be at peace forever.
Leovi
A lovely and very interesting content Acrylic!
Sherry Blue Sky
I can imagine swimming must make her feel safe, and cleansed of the past. I love that she is on solid ground at last. Your painting is wonderful, too.
Magaly Guerrero
Intense: the painting and the poem. And the combination brings the senses–and outrage–afloat.
She will swim to the top. Her mind clean of the uglies. Determined.
Magaly Guerrero
P.S. Do you read De Lint? If so, have you read Memory and Dream? Your painting and poem would fit right into the heart of the tale, methinks.
brian miller
i am glad she did not give up and found her higher ground…
though even water will not wash off some things….
whimsygizmo
Oh, Amy. This is heart wrenching. So well done. Love the painting, and your incredible words.
Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
The devastation caused by fathers, stepfathers, brothers, uncles so devastating.. some can mend through waters through being better others sink and drown.. so sad.. so sad for all girls having to live with this.
yelena
very powerful, Amy, the image and the poem together. thank you for sharing.
kaykuala h
She definitely had to fight back. It was a form of defense that created impact necessary for survival. Glad she could taste success and able to sleep on solid ground! Great lines Amelita!
Hank
reneejohnsonwrites
Love your imagery of the graceful flow of the swimmer vs. the tidal wave of emotion surging in her. Wonderfully done.
Polly
So moving Amy – I agree, the painting says so much, but your words are powerful too.