Abandon Splitsville!

FemEarlier this week, I was reminded of a statement from Sisterhood is Powerful a book by author and radical feminist Robin Morgan published back in 1970:  We can’t destroy the inequities between men and women until we destroy marriage.

I’m not certain how Morgan (or any of the other feminists of the period who agreed with Morgan’s position) view the world today, but my sense is they would consider their destructive mission mostly accomplished.

I’ve posted about divorce several times on this blog. Before the advent of 1970s feminism, I recall hearing the phrase “staying together for the sake of the children.” (Yes, I remember a pre-feminism time.) Back then, there were married couples who were aware divorce was available to them, but they consciously chose to keep their marriages intact because of potential damage a breakup might have on their children.

Personally, I think married couples who made the adult decision to stick it out are to be commended. (Whether the majority stayed married after their children left the nest, I’d have no way of knowing.) From what I’ve observed, delayed gratification is a rare commodity today, living as we do in an instant gratification culture.

The poem I chose for this post poses the tale of divorce. Time and time again, I’ve watched the tragic ripples on the divorce pond wreak their most brutal destruction on the children. I remember the words of one little boy (now a man) who desperately queried his mamma, “Is it my fault daddy’s gone? What can I do to bring him back?” As an adult, this man is still dealing with the baggage of self-blame and feelings of abandonment.

I know this young man is not alone.

Abandonment, divorce, dissolution of marriage, sonnet, poetry, poem
Sonnet: Abandonment

 

The 1970s radical feminists seem to have succeeded at this fool’s mission of destroying marriage. Too bad they didn’t care about the toll on children, but I guess it’s rare for narcissists to think about anyone but themselves.

2 thoughts on “Abandon Splitsville!

  1. Oh, yes–“the tragic ripples of divorce” can be felt by extended family and friends, as well as the immediate family. And, as you’ve pointed out, the ripples continue down through time. Thank you for addressing a painful topic, but one that needs to be kept at the forefront.

    Thank you also for becoming a follower of my blog. I am humbled and honored that you found it worthwhile.

    1. Thanks, Nancy, for your comment. I’m afraid poetry does little to actually “fix” things, but it’s how I deal with the brokenness I’ve witnessed around me.

      I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog! Thanks again.

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