You’re hurting me!
Let go of my arm!
Burning your hands into my soft skin
Where I can see your fingerprints boiling in welts
Stop!
Can’t you hear my whimpering plea?
As I cringe from your shadow
Arms protectively over my face to harbor the expected blow
The fire burning in your eyes
Are the reflective soul of Satan, I’m sure
And the veins that pop out of your strained neck
Flow into a cesspool of uncontrolled anger
Please
Leave me alone
I can’t handle another bruise
I can’t take on another harsh word that projects like barb wire from your stiff tongue
I want to cry
But I’m too afraid that it will anger you
I want to scream
But I choke on the potential consequences that might harm my body more
You stop with your clenched fists in midair
And say that your sorry
I bow my head
And weep