Triggered Again

Summary

The text is a free verse poem titled "Triggered Again" that explores the theme of PTSD and the lingering effects of past trauma.

Abstract

"Triggered Again" is a free verse poem written by Lori Carlson, which delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by someone who has been subjected to physical abuse in the past. The poem describes the speaker's involuntary reactions to witnessing someone else's outbursts, which trigger memories of their own traumatic experiences. The speaker grapples with feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness, as their body reacts to the perceived threat, despite the fact that the current outbursts are not directed at them. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of trauma and the challenges faced by those who suffer from PTSD.

Opinions

The poem conveys the idea that past traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual's emotional and physical well-being.
The speaker's involuntary reactions to witnessing outbursts suggest that PTSD can be triggered by seemingly unrelated events, causing the individual to relive their traumatic experiences.
The poem highlights the difficulty of maintaining relationships and expressing love when one is constantly triggered by reminders of past trauma.
The poem suggests that the speaker's PTSD has not been fully addressed or resolved, as they continue to experience physical and emotional reactions to triggers.
The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the long-term effects of trauma, as they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
The poem suggests that the speaker may feel isolated or misunderstood, as they struggle to cope with their PTSD in the presence of others who do not share their experiences.
The poem implies that the speaker may feel a sense of hopelessness or despair, as they question whether they will ever be able to fully recover from their trauma.

Free Verse poem

These tirades aren’t directed at me but I remember when they used to be When outbursts struck me full force slammed me against a bookshelf Where bruises lasted for weeks and the pain has never ceased

My back still bears the trauma of your momentary madness and even now, my body reacts as though each guttural scream was meant just for me

And the pounding, pounding, pounding of your fists on the table and the stomping, so fierce, so loud of your feet on the floor and I am back there, back then, once more

How can I pretend to love you when I am triggered by your tantrums? When my body cowers from each blow not even aimed at me? How can I ever recover from this PTSD when my body’s memory won’t let me be?

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Lori Carlson writes poetry, fiction, personal essays, creative non-fiction, and articles. She focuses on Spirituality, Life Lessons, Self-Awareness, Relationships, Mental Health, and LGBTQ+. She is the Owner/Editor of Promptly Written and Not For Bedtime Stories. You can find her older stories on her creative writing blog, Ravyne’s Nest and random ramblings on her personal blog, A Delicious Torment.

POETRY

Triggered Again

Free Verse poem

Poetry by Lori Carlson

All of my poems

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