Summary

The text describes an individual's struggle with traumatic memories, symbolized by a swing set, as they attempt to escape the haunting recollections of a past abuser.

Abstract

"Swinging Far Away" is a poignant narrative that captures the emotional turmoil of someone grappling with persistent and distressing memories. The protagonist uses the physical act of swinging to metaphorically distance themselves from their troubled past, which is characterized by a series of dark and traumatic experiences involving a specific individual. As they swing higher, they confront the vivid image of their abuser—a man with brown hair, brown eyes, and a mustache—whose presence in their memories is as tangible as the cold iron chain of the swing. The act of swinging becomes both a coping mechanism and a futile attempt to outrun the past, as the memories continue to resurface, causing emotional pain and tears. Despite the abuser being physically absent, the memories remain indelible, underscoring the enduring impact of trauma. The narrative is a raw exploration of the struggle to overcome the psychological scars left by abuse, authored by Joanne Troppello, who is also the publisher of Mustard Seed Sentinel.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of despair in the face of indelible traumatic memories that persist despite efforts to escape them.
The swinging motion is used as a metaphor for the attempt to flee from emotional pain, illustrating the protagonist's yearning for freedom from their past.
There is a recurring theme of powerlessness, as the protagonist's physical efforts to swing higher do not alleviate the mental anguish caused by the memories.
The vivid description of the abuser suggests a clear and haunting recollection of the protagonist's trauma, emphasizing the impact of the abuser's actions.
The narrative suggests that physical distance and time do not necessarily diminish the potency of traumatic memories.
The author seems to advocate for the resilience and strength required to face such memories, even when they feel inescapable.

Swinging Far Away

Memories that never fade

My fingers grasp the cold iron chain and I cling on.

For if I let go, I’ll fall into the black pit of oblivion beneath me.

The rubber seat beneath me holds me steady, but at times

feels as if it will slip away as I swing higher, faster, farther away.

I need to get away from these haunting, chilling memories of my past.

Memories that still my heart as I swing higher, still needing to get away.

I look up and see storm clouds looming, reminding me of a dark time

many dark times, no specific one takes root in my mind as I swing.

My past is one mass of haunting memories, maybe they’ll fade away.

Kick. Kick. Kick. I remind my feet as I swing forward and back.

The faster I kick, the higher I fly, trying to escape the disturbing past.

The memory comes again. I see the face. Brown hair, brown eyes,

brown mustache, stubbly facial hair — prickly to the touch.

The dark eyes leer down on me, calloused hands reach out to

choke the air from my pounding chest as I keep kicking to swing higher.

I open my mouth to scream, but no sound comes as the memory subsides.

I grasp the iron chain of the swing to try to calm my racing heart.

I remind myself that it’s only a bad memory — the man is in my past.

He can no longer hurt me, I repeat as I swing higher and higher away.

Yet the higher I swing, the memory seizes me again and tears come.

This time I see him screaming, striking out, mocking me.

I scream out while kicking higher and higher, trying to move away.

He doesn’t go away. The memories are always right there.

Threatening to come back and haunt me, following wherever I go.

No matter how high, and fast, and far I try to fly,

I will never get away from what he did.

He’s gone, but the memories last forever.

Joanne Troppello is an author, writer, and poet. She is the publisher of the online Christian lifestyle magazine, Mustard Seed Sentinel. Connect with Joanne on Twitter and join in cultivating positivity in your life and sharing it with others by subscribing to the Sunflower Quest Community.