Featured Poem: Die Trying

Die Trying is a haunting poem written by OvercastGirl. In this edition of Featured Poem, we take a closer look at this wonderful work.

How would you summarize Die Trying?

It's basically a quick look into a woman's life while trying to escape her abusive lover. She's running, hoping, and praying that he won't catch her; he does, though. The poem ends in the middle of the last line because I wanted readers to draw their own conclusions. I generally have an easier time getting into a poem when it's a bit more vague and I can picture what's happening, which is what I hope anyone who reads it can do.

How did you choose the title for it?

Die Trying is simply a reference to the fact that this woman is trying with all her might to get away from her lover, but is she can't, she will certainly die trying to.

What inspired you to write this poem?

When I wrote this poem, I was just trying to bring some attention to how bad abusive relationships can be. I haven't been in any quite this bad, but I want at least one person who reads this to want to do something about it. I personally think schools should provide better anti-abusive relationship programs and that "rape culture", as it is commonly referred to, has no business in the media.

What was your favorite thing about writing Die Trying?

I really liked the image it evoked. I really felt like I was running through a field for a minute, and that's when you know that you're on the right track.

When writing, do you have any rituals you follow?

I always have to have the fan on, and I have to have music going. I can't write very well if my battery's low, but I can if I'm listening to Modern Baseball. (I'm a bit odd, but anyone with the slightest bit of creativity in them is.)

Is there anything you would like to say to anyone who reads your poem?

If you sometimes wonder if you're in an abusive relationship, you are. I don't care if you don't think there's anywhere to go. Get out. Many times, men will threaten to kill the woman's family, and that's what causes her to stay. Contact your family and tell them. Contact a local women's shelter and use the resources they have to save yourself. If anyone you know is showing signs of an abusive relationship, HELP THEM. I really can't stress it enough.

Do you have any other poems you think people would enjoy?

I have only written one other poem so far, and it's called How to Be a Good Girlfriend. It's my statement on rape culture, because I'm a proud feminist and I don't think women should be treated the way they are (if you have any complaints feel free to message me). We're expected to be small, sweet, nice, and easy. But not too nice. I've really been struggling with my body-image because of all these stupid, contradictory societal rules, and it was my way of letting all my anger about it out.

Special thanks to silent hearts. and Fandango for editing!