I cannot forget
that first time
you put your hands on me.
I cried and screamed
and prayed I’d wake
to find it just a dream.
The second time
I told myself
that it was time to leave,
but instead I listened
as you begged.
I was so naive.
Then came the third
and fourth and fifth.
Your anger seemed to mount.
It became so
often, so familiar
I seemed to have lost count.
My friends would ask
but I would lie.
The makeup was a mask.
I tried to hide,
I tried to leave,
but each time I came back.
I didn’t know
a life without you.
You were always there.
So instead I stayed
and on my face
bruises i did bear.
Until that day
when it all changed
because of two pink stripes.
You can hit
my scrawny frame
but my baby, you won’t strike.
Inside of me
this gave me strength
I did not know I had.
You might be
a father now
but you’ll never be a dad.
I left that night
while you were out
with Hennessy and Jack.
My baby girl
and I are fine
Her smile is payback.
