Talk to me Tuesday: 2nd Sam

This is the last month of the year so I have decided to share my poetry, and other stories via 'Talk to me Tuesday.'

Being the professional student that I am, I take advantage of every class that fits into my schedule. I am officially an alumni of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, but that does not stop me from taking low priced classes. Earlier this year, I took classes six days a week. It saddened me that I was unable to attend classes at church. This piece was written at the end of my Old Testament class which I participated in through my church's institute. At the end of the Fall 2014 semester, the class was given an assignment. Each student had to pick a person from the Old Testament, choose an audience to address, and teach them about the biblical presence/background of the chosen person. I chose Tamar, daughter of David. Below is a poem entitled: 2nd Sam. In addition to the poem, I painted Tamar's face. My teacher encouraged  me to finish the piece so I added two more canvas. 

Check out 2nd Sam below:

Is there any part of me left unscathed?

The bitterness  in my mouth from your forced touch,

drowns my heart in sorrow

How could I be so naive?

Your lust disguised in love entrapped sin within my uterine

My God free me from this pain that my father has sewn

That forsaken seed that bleeds through me, and my virginity

Rivers form from the tears I have cried

I was once beautiful

Now, I am dead inside

Dead as the ashes that lie comfortably on my head

As my garments unravel from shoulders to wrists

Torn is my faith and left amidst

Father, be it mine and shine your light

For this battle my soul must fight

If it was food I was to prepare...

Why did he dare touch me...there?

Force his own sister, then toss me like stones cast at a glass house

HATE...  is it guilt mixed with lust at the same time

Sending me away-- Pail and colorless

No longer worthy

If only my eyes could see past this atrocity

I'd get on my knees and pray

Before my other brother flees

Love and Hate, there is such a thin line

The only thing to get me past this is HIS presence, and time

Give me strength, dear Lord

-- to rebuild my hope in your righteousness,

and not that in which man has made and called his own

Inspired by 2 Samuel Chapter 13

Let me know what you all think in the comments below.

- Shay Nefeteria

Acrylic on Canvas

'Tamar' 2014 Arcrylic on Canvas