Vows

[71degrees]

This poem is extremely powerful. The use of imagery is significant and the use of emotion-arousing words such as "pleading" "predetermined" "probing wounds", this all add to the mental picture of the detrimental aspects of physical abuse.
The last lines really highlight how we are blind to our own faults- how he was able to see his fathers, but could not believe it about himself.
Maybe the underlying theme is to take it literally and look at yourself in the mirror, see yourself for what you are. You will either be pleasantly surprised at what you've become, or similarly disappointed. Or also in some cases, seeing yourself as your worst nightmare or what you have promised you would never become. As if it were "predetermined" and marked in your blood.
Very good essay overall.
A lot of different layers to it, could be interpreted in several ways.

Thanks for the comments. Women write about abuse (as should be)…not sure there are many pieces out there from the male perspective. It's meant to stir some debate. Was wondering if the "Doubting Thomas" image is too much (perhaps leaning toward the sacrilegious, even). Not that there can ever be an excuse for such behavior, but sometimes, I think, the cycle of abuse is a two way street. Not "learned" behavior necessarily, but somehow accepted by an exposed young mind and carried forward into adulthood.