Arms Quote by Ellen Hopkins
“crawling up into daddy's lap when dad was still DADDY nodding my head against his chest soaking in the comfort of his heart LISTENING to the thump...thump somewhere beneath muscle and breastbone I remember his arms their sublime ENCIRCLING and the shawdow of his voice "I love you, little girl. Put away your bad dreams. Daddy's here" I put them away, Until Daddy became my nightmare that one that came HOME from work everyday and instead of picking me up, chased me far far away”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Daddy's Lap", 2000s contemporary poetry collection
The narrator recalls comfort in a father's embrace, later turning that figure into a source of fear.
In simple terms: Comfort turned to fear as father changed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when safety becomes threat.
Themes
family
abuse
memory
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
poetic
personal
When to use this quote
- childhood recollection
- therapeutic writing
- support groups
Key Concepts
trauma
attachment
psychological shift
Questions to Reflect On
- When did the father's presence become harmful?
- How to heal from parental betrayal?
A Different Perspective
Comfort can mask underlying danger.
