Poem by Val Cole

POEM:

They say,
I should have been stronger —
like bones aren’t meant to break
under the weight of a stranger’s hands.

Like I wasn’t already fighting to hold on
while he took pieces of me,
one by one,
until the mirror became a place
I could no longer stand to look.

They say,
you’re slipping now,
falling too far —
as if I chose this hollowing,
as if my hunger for escape
was some kind of betrayal
to a world that stood still
while he did what he did.

But my body remembers
in ways they refuse to see—
the way control slips through your fingers
when your worth is rewritten
by someone else’s violence,
when food feels like the only thing
you can refuse.

And still, they turn their backs,
turn my story into questions
about what I didn’t do,
as if survival has rules
I should have known.

They never ask about the nights
spent unravelling in silence,
about the ways I fought
to keep breathing when breathing
was the hardest thing to do.

Instead, they blame the fall,
the aftermath, the ways I cope—
ignore the wreckage
that still lingers in the corners,
pretend they didn’t hear
the sound of me breaking
the moment he entered the room.

What is the theme of your poem?

The theme of my poem is survival, resilience, and reclaiming a voice after enduring an abusive relationship. It explores the weight of trauma, the pain of being dismissed or blamed, and the fight to hold onto a sense of self when the world seems to turn away. It's a deeply personal reflection on the strength it takes to keep going and demand to be heard, even when it feels like no one is listening.

What motivated you to write this poem? This poem was born from my own experiences and the desire to process emotions that felt too heavy to carry silently. Writing has always been my way of making sense of pain, but this poem in particular felt like an act of defiance—a way of saying, "I'm still here, and my voice matters." I also wanted to speak for anyone who has ever felt dismissed or silenced, to let them know they're not alone.

How long have you been writing poetry? I've been writing since I was 10 years old. Writing has always been my escape—a place where I could explore my thoughts and emotions freely. As a child, it was a way to imagine other worlds; as I grew older, it became my outlet for navigating the complexities of life. Poetry, in particular, has been a constant companion, helping me to put words to feelings I didn't know how to express any other way.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be? Dick Van Dyke. I've always been inspired by his infectious energy and his incredible legacy in entertainment. He has such a vibrant spirit, and I think a dinner with him would be unforgettable. We'd talk about everything from his classic performances in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to his outlook on staying creative and joyful in life. I imagine we'd share plenty of laughs, and his positivity would leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.

What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor? I've always been curious about how my words might sound when spoken by someone else. I wanted to hear my poem come to life through another voice, to see how someone else could embody the emotions I poured into it. It's also about sharing those feelings with the world in a way that feels bigger than me—letting someone else be the voice that, at times, I felt I didn't have.

Do you write other works? Scripts? Short Stories? Etc.? Absolutely. I write short scripts, feature-length screenplays, and short stories, often exploring gothic and horror themes. One of my short scripts was even nominated for a horror award, which was such an exciting moment in my career. I've also had the privilege of producing three short films, which was both challenging and rewarding. I love experimenting with different forms of storytelling because each medium offers a unique way to connect with an audience. It's always a thrill to figure out how best to bring a story to life and make it resonate.

What is your passion in life? My passion lies in storytelling—whether it's through writing, filmmaking, or photography. I love delving into the complexities of the human experience, capturing raw emotions, and exploring untold stories. I'm also deeply committed to advocating for gender equality and social justice. Beyond my creative work, I value my family and friends immensely. They are my foundation, and I cherish the authentic connections I've built with them. Making everlasting memories with the people I love is something I hold close to my heart. Together, these passions fuel my drive to connect with others on a deeper level and leave a meaningful impact in the world.