A cover?s no way to judge a book
The first few words is all it took
To open up the memory chest
Of a dark past so long suppressed.
Like a dog let off its lead
The words are sticks I must retrieve
To read of someone else?s pain
The threats, the violence and the shame.
Lying curled up in a ball
Drunken menace in the hall
Racing heart cannot prevent
Looming shadow, no consent.
Calloused hands move from neck to arms
Leave no bruise or signs of harm
?I didn?t hurt you, you are mine
Say no again, I will next time?.
Each leaf turned brings back a time
When this memoir echoed mine
Tale unfolds upon each page
Tells of horrors, threats and rage.
I can?t take this anymore
Throw the book down on the floor
Sitting reading will not stop
All the heart ache and the rot.
If someone loves you, they won?t do
All these dreadful things to you
No person should endure this hell
Stop it now, it?s time to tell.