
(Photo: Isaac Holmgren on Unsplash)
When all was said and done,
There was no question
Of whether or when
Or why,
She would be expected
To abide by all
The rules they had
Intended to
Apply.
The law was set.
The outcome clear.
She was to follow
And adhere.
For the dVerse quadrille poetry challenge: abide
Compliance has been a rather lonely lesson, has it not? You penned it well.
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Thank you! Indeed, compliance can be a rather lonely (and often unfair, when so complete and rigid) lesson. Too many times it is meant as a way to control, not enrich.
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Well done. And, too true, alas. 💚
Adele Ryan McDowell, Ph.D.
AdeleRyanMcDowell.com Adeleandthepenguin.com MakingPeacewithSuicide.com Channeledgrace.com
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Thank you, Adele. And yes, alas, too true for too many around the world, still …
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Sounds like the court system, but it’s open enough to apply to many situations. There’s a certain hardness to that mindset, but when lives are on the line, not unreasonable.
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Yes, it can of course be the legal system, but might also be the ‘system’ in many cultures that call themselves ‘conservative’ and in effect control women (and other vulnerable persons) in a way that is meant to withhold certain people’s freedoms under the guise of ‘laws’ or ‘morals’ … I think that complete compliance to ALL rules is rarely needed, and is different depending on the circumstances. For a time, it might be relevant to curtail some freedoms as means to help save lives (e.g. mandatory evacuations ahead of a disaster, or blackouts during a blitz …) but those are rarely meant to be blanket compliance forever. At least, unless in dictatorships (of any size…). But … yeah, this can also be applies in other situations, more widely, at least as far as people’s perception of compliance (and what it is done for) may entail.
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This feels so cultural to me… I like the rhythm and the definitive voice you gave this piece. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen. I would not be surprised if it will be ‘recognized’ as cultural by several different current cultures (and, I suspect, by not-too-long-ago American/Western cultures, too, where compliance by women was taken for granted as being mandatory and complete, and was punishes severely when not followed). Thanks for reading and commenting! Glad you liked this. Na’ama
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Exactly. I’ve been reading a bit more cultural fiction and women are always taken for granted.
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Indeed it way too many places still, and throughout history in general. Thanks again for reading and commenting (and also for following! 🙂 – always glad for conversations!
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Great to connect. I love this challenge and try to jump in when I can. ❤️
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🙂 me three!
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❤
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It makes me think of child brides forced into arranged marriages…sad!
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Indeed. Very much so.
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😦
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I agree … And probably in too many other closed communities and ‘ultra conservative’ groups.
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That’s sad. 😦
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yes, very. Thank you.
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Deep and beautifully written
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Thank you!
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My pleasure 🌼
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So very chilling… the way she just has to follow sounds a lot like arranged marrying
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Yes, it would fit very much the reality of arrange marriage, and/or of restrictive ‘conservative’ groups and religious dogmas, where women are tightly controlled and their rights curtailed. It can also be a view into cults and dictatorships where complete compliance is the only thing allowed.
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Compliance equals incarcerated (of all sorts) for so many. I like the almost staccato feel of this – it makes it even more clear that this is not her choice at all.
As always, you do a fabulous job!
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Yes! Such a good analogy between complete compliance and being incarcerated (in one way or another). I’m glad the helplessness and entrapment were communicated! Sadly, this is the reality for too many! Here’s to freedom and to using our voice for those who cannot. xx
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Hear! Hear! xo
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🙂
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