Can you give me some feedback on this poem about how children deal with abuse?

Question

More often than not children deal with abuse by tucking the memories away and living compartmentalized lives. Not until much later on in life, or perhaps as a result of some trauma, is there a 'trigger' that might open that pandora's box. As expected that box creates a lot of pain in their adult life before it is discovered and dealt with.

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Hidden Memories

Why can’t I let the secret free?

Why do I hide from a memory?

I know not why the silent tear

nor what it is I hold so dear.

From long ago in my secret past

I hold on hard and hold on fast

to a darkened room inside of me

that still remains a mystery.

An angel near to hold me tight

protects me from some awful fright.

I cuddle close, no need to fear,

no one knows what’s hiding here.

We play a game, the angel and me;

we lock the room and hide the key

and never let it ever be

discussed in front of company.

I tell the truth, don’t ever lie;

cross my heart and hope to die.

It doesn’t hurt ‘cause I can’t remember

did you know my birthday’s in December?

Santa knows who’s naughty and nice

he makes a list and checks it twice,

so I’ll never let the secret free

I simply hide it in my memory.

Answer 1

This post means alot to me... I am a survivor... some things are best left unsaid. I found my way out of the darkness... not many do.

http://ca.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-CrbO0Q...

Much love always,

Temari

Answer 2

We feel ashamed and don't know why

Alone at night we often cry

Was it right or was this thing wrong

Where does this pain I have belong

I do not know so I confide

This hurt to myself locked inside

Not ever to be seen again

I carry this pain to the end

It travels with me throughout life

Affecting me when I cross strife

Instead of standing up for me

I act as if I do not see

All I ever wanted was peace

And for this memory to cease

As I have grown it became clear

Such a strong hurt won't disappear

Answer 3

I love it. Hidden memories, and feelings...a way to cope with terror. My neighbor beat the c**p out of his girl friend the other week. He's a scum sucking pig. I can't begin to tell you how his treatment of her terrorizes me every night.  

Answer 4

I kept secrets for far too long myself, and in my poetry you can find many references to a "darkened room". This is probably common in cases like mine where the secret will shame you as much as the perpetrator if it were to be erxposed. That is why too many times it is never resolved and leads to psychological damages that last a lifetime.

Thank you. A beautiful poem, AL!   -LC