Pieces Of Us/Fragmented - By Lauren D Armour

Written By: Lauren D Armour

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Lauren D Armour presents a compelling piece titled "Pieces Of Us/Fragmented" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into the sensitive themes of generational trauma, the burden of silence, and the courageous journey towards self-liberation. Armour's work resonates deeply as it invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths and challenges the cycles of inherited pain. Her poetic voice is both a call to awareness and a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their identity and freedom.

About the Work

"Pieces Of Us/Fragmented" by Lauren D Armour is a poignant exploration of the heavy silence surrounding abuse and generational trauma. Through vivid imagery and an impassioned narrative, Armour captures the emotional turmoil and societal pressures that stifle voices. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity to speak out against injustice and the transformative power of self-awareness and courage. Each line compels readers to reflect on the harsh realities faced by many while encouraging a break from the past and a step towards healing.

PIeces of Us

Original Submission by Lauren D Armour

Pieces Of Us/Fragmented

By Lauren D. Armour

It's hard to hear but trust, this subjects a must, if I could have it any other way, I would look the other way like everyone else, because it's easier to do than to touch on areas as sensitive as this.

Sweep it under the rug and turn our ear from the constant bug that ticks...ticks...ticks for more violence.

Seeds sown and roots turned into bitterness.

Hearts darkened and shattered into fragmented pieces

Never bearing fruit...leafless.

Embracing the mentality of bondage because no one dares to speak up and out against the generational garbage left to us by our mothers, mother's, mother.

“Hush....what goes on in this house stays in this house, you bet not open your mouth! Whose going to believe you anyhow? Hmm? Look at you, worthless, ain't about nothing! you're worth nothing more than laying on yo back! You better stay in your place if you know what's good for you.”

Even during our school days our minds were converted to senselessness

“Golly, things get confusing in school, I know, I was you age once. I may not know everything sweetheart but look

If he or she hits you, they must really like you.... So don’t take it personal honey they just have a crush on you...”

If he taunts you, it feels more real...If he degrades you, you got the real deal.... How twisted is this logic?

But we take the abuse and our minds become poisoned with deadly toxins set out to alter our perspective of what love truly is.

Illogically Justifying the behavior of this narcissist as logical to make the sting hurt less...mind in a whirlwind...we embark the journey of Fear convinced that we are alone and there is no escape even when the door is right in our face

1 Corinthians 10:13

“But God is faithful, will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

If we don't learn to face our worst fears, we'd continue to live life with hidden scars...

drowning in tears and the intense volume of silence

submerging the muzzled voices due to the adoption of guilt and shame that was never our own in the first place

So, we show face post haste, glam and glitter, even taking extreme lengths to conform our appearance so no one sees the truth

The truth

the reality is that there's a ticking time bomb within and everyone in our circle feels it

Waiting for the day that volcano violently erupt and disrupt the little peace fought for

the silent whispers ring loudly with I told you so's

as if they really knew...

When will we become bold enough to break the silence of what has been going on for centuries

You gotta recognize that shame is a gift from the enemy...inner me...whose sole purpose is to go to any length possible to completely wipe out our identity so that we'd go on broken

Never knowing what it truly is to live free...Hopeless

Because THEY have taken pieces of me and left me wounded.... I bleed

Because THEY go on with their lives as if they didn't dismantle mine.

Sleeping peacefully while we're left to pick up the pieces

Suffering at the hands of another and for what!?

Why do we convince ourselves that no one should know when knowing is the best way to make people aware of the signs.... the signs.... the signs could make or break a life that is just as precious as mine.

Revelation breeds elevation and even though we’ve bled and suffered

Been choked out been

This close to being coked out

Many of us are still alive

Yea, you survived

Continuing in shame and bondage keeps you trapped and others from being free

Although it wasn’t great being in your shoes don’t let your journey die with you

Let me encourage you

The very thing you’ve had to come out of is the very thing that can prevent

another woman, boy or girl from suffering like you.

Prevent Another man from accepting that a toxic relationship is what he deserves.

So, like Johnny Appleseed let’s plant those seeds, eventually the harvest will come, and the silent ones can glean from your field of truth, setting them on a path of freedom. Preventing regurgitated cycles of foolishness.

You hold the key

Be bold enough

Daring enough

To speak out and speak up

Because THEY never taught us that nothing is wrong with true freedom

Nothing is wrong with speaking up against things immoral, painful and wrong

They say snitches get stitches,

I say snitches are the ones who can prevent another blow that may led to 100 stitches across my face

Nothing new is under the sun

It’s time to stop with these played out reruns and rewrite the story, breaking the generational curse of hopelessness & acceptance of a fragmented fate

It’s never too late to restore hope...but first you gotta start with you.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diverse voices and creative expressions of writers worldwide. This prestigious event showcases an array of literary talents, providing a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their unique perspectives. Participants from across the globe contribute works that challenge, inspire, and connect readers through the universal language of poetry and storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lauren D Armour for sharing "Pieces Of Us/Fragmented" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her insightful exploration of generational trauma and the quest for freedom is both courageous and inspiring. We appreciate her contribution to this literary gathering, which enriches our understanding and encourages vital conversations.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.