A few years ago I read a Star Tribune story about Pam Taschuk, a Lino Lakes woman who was killed by her husband. I didn’t know Pam, but her story inspired me to write this poem, and Brooke Thompson’s story (see blog entry “Brooke The Sun Goddess“) inspired me to post it.

 

 

The Beat Goes On

 

An average looking woman

Just like me

Just like you, or

Just like your sister, daughter, mother

 

They made a vow, she and her husband

To love, cherish and deeply respect

‘til death do us part

‘til death do us part

 

After twenty-two years, he parted them with death

Gift wrapped in his own two hands

Hands that knew how to hit

The pattern deeply ingrained

 

Forty-eight times in fourteen years

Police were called to their house

Calm the bully, put a bandage on her wounds

Forty-eight times exposed, the tip of this iceberg

 

She had begged the system for help, filed for divorce

“I’m scared,” she said, predicting he would kill her

“She did everything she could to try to protect herself”

‘til death did its part

 

An average looking woman

Murdered by a man who allegedly loved her

“The system kind of broke down”

And the beat goes on

 

(C) 2013 Barb Danson

********

 

After Pam’s husband, Allen, killed her, he shot himself.

*Unless otherwise noted, quotes are from Connie Moore, executive director of Alexandra House, a Blaine shelter (Star Tribune; Oct 2, 2009).

Each year the Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association gives the Pam Taschuk Outstanding Service Award to the selected non-sworn nominee who specializes in working with youth and has made a significant impact on the youth in their community. Nominations are due by December 15. Click here for more information.