Image: Brooke Shaden
She stood up and every time she was knocked down.
“Get some backbone,” her narcissist father said
“Look at me I take no shit from anyone.”
And he didn’t as he walked over every man or woman in his way.
But she was not like him
He was no role model for her,
Rather he was a bully and a man she despised.
Every time she exposed her heart it was broken.
The cruel and the manipulative
Fed off her vulnerabilities
Laughed whenever she protested.
Finally, she felt a punching bag
All substance going from her
What was left but a shell filled with stuffing
To numb and lessen the pain of rejection.
On her bed, she wondered what there was to aspire to.
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/photo-challenge-191/
Morpethroad 
Sad tale of emotional abuse.
Thanks so much good sir…
Very realistic depiction of narcissists! The only way to rebuild self esteem is to cut off totally.
Yes often easier said than done sadly.
Amazingly accurate on how emotional bullying can obliterate an individual’s sense of worth.
Thank you Di, I’ve a bit of experience.
Me too to some extent.
Sigh. I wish, despite it all, there is still hope left inside.
Thanks Maria
Such a powerful and poignant piece.
Thanks so much Angela