The Punching Bag, Amy McCarter

The Punching Bag
by Amy McCarter
November 2007

I punch this bag, that won’t punch back
To release my tears from sorrow

I punch this bag, that won’t punch back
For my fears of an empty tomorrow

I punch this bag with all I have
From pain steeped deep inside

I punch this stupid, punching bag
Tasting salty tears I've cried

I punch this god damn punching bag
Wishing a different ending

I punch this god damn punching bag
To start my hearts slow mending

:::

about this poem.
Amy describes her poem, "Here is a poem written in the throes of desperate anger a little over a month after Liam died. Our friend remembered me mentioning I needed a punching bag to hit, to help release the intense burning rage that would rise up inside of me, and gave us a small one that stood in our living room...until it broke. I hit that little bag, hot burning tears streaming down my face the entire time. I'd hit that bag nearly everyday, trying to find a way to breathe through the pain. This poem formed in my head during this time of anger."

about the poet.
Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband and two greyhounds. Amy describes her journey, "Our only child Liam was born alive and apparently healthy on September 25, 2007, and was the joy of our lives. Our son Liam died soon after birth due to unexplained/unknown causes, shattering our world and our hearts. Art is an expression and release of my grief, and a way to honor the memory of our little man who is missed beyond words." Amy maintains a blog showcasing her Creative Everyday Challenge at Surviving the Day Every Day.