What is Speak?

What is Speak?

I've wanted to create this section of 'Only Time' since I opened the site nearly two years ago. But I wasn't ready. Wasn't ready to be honest about my life.

But now I am. Or at least, I think I am.

( Speak. )

Speak: My Story

Speak: My Story

( Forward. )

Speak: Poem: Silence

Silence by Angela D. Williams

I open my mouth to scream
but no sound comes out.

I've been silent so long
I've forgotten how to speak.

I can form the words in my mind
but cannot force my lips to utter the syllables.

I come from a place where speaking the truth is forbidden,
a place where I'm frozen solid;
bound by loyalty and blood to protect
those who did not protect me.

In a crowded room I am alone
drowning in the sounds of my own
silence.

My voice has been stolen.
Someone show me how to find it.

Someone
Scream
With me.

Speak: Poem: Path of Thorns

Path of Thorns: A Rengay by Angela D. Williams

sometimes I wander
lost in metaphorical fog
waiting for someone to save me

drowning in
a raging current

storms untamed
the lightening strikes
and burns my skin

hidden behind a solid brick
wall of silence

surrounded by demons
monsters of the mind
are worse than death

tired of waiting for a hero
I must rescue myself

Speak: Haiku

Haiku by Angela D. Williams

cold back room
trembling jangle of keys
fragmented time


* * *

alone
feelings buried
under snow piles

* * *

flickering candlelight
concentrate on breathing
shimmer of tears


* * *

darkness of the soul
lies dormant under
white snow blanket


* * *

under an angry sun
I wait
for peace


* * *

Stomping on the silence
I reclaim
my voice

Speak: Recommended Reading

Speak: Recommended Reading

The following are a list of books/other materials that I recommend for survivors or significant others (meaning boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, life partners, parents, relatives or friends) of survivors to read. I will be adding more books and materials to the list periodically. If time allows, I may eventually add reviews of each, but for right now we've got the basics.

*Reading certain parts of these books may trigger flashbacks or very strong emotions. If
you choose to read them, please take care of yourself and stop reading if you begin feeling
overwhelmed.

1. Beginning to Heal: First Steps for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

2. The Courage to Heal: A Guide For Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

3. The Courage to Heal Workbook by Laura Davis

4. I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Louise Thornton

5. After Silence: Rape and My Journey Back by Nancy Venable Raine

6. Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape by Susan Brownmiller

7. Safe At Last: A Handbook for Recovery from Abuse: Monster Therapy by David J.Schopick, M.D.

Speak: Helpful Links

Domestic Violence Help Links

National Domestic Violence Hotline (Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233))

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Feminist Majority Foundation: Domestic Violence Hotlines and Resources

Crisis Support Network

Illinois Help for Domestic Violence Survivors

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Phone: 1-217-789-2830)

DOVE, INC. (Phone: 1-217-423-2238)

* * *


Sexual Abuse Help Links

Pandora's Box: The Secrecy of Child Sexual Abuse

Stop It Now: Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Protect Kids

Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Forums for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault--Recovery Canada

Stop Sexual Abuse, Inc.

Child Sexual Abuse: From Darkness to Light


* * *


Sexual Assault Help Links

RAINN (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) (Phone: 1-800-656-Hope)

Men Against Sexual Violence

Rape Recovery, Help and Information Page

Illinois Help For Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault Survivors:

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center (Phone: 1-217-428-0770)

Illinois State Police Sex Offender Information

* * *

Other Important Links:

Amber Alert



Note: If you have any other sites that you have found helpful, please feel free to leave me a link and I will check it out and add it to my list.

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