ABUSE AND AFTER

ABUSE AND AFTER


I have been abused by you
For full twenty five years.
I have spent this time with you
Full of worries and fears.

You too have loved me, but like
Only an animal.
Our domestic life has been
Always rather dismal.

I tolerated all this
For the sake of children.
But for them, out of this house,
Long back I would have run.

Now our sons are both grown up.
They are up on their feet.
They know full well that you could
Never their mom defeat.

Is it punishment enough
For you to realise
That your own sons, in their heart,
You truly do despise?

Let me tell you also that
You caused physical hurt,
But could never break my heart
Through words stinging and curt.

Take notice, my dear husband,
I’m not the vanquished one.
While your spirit is broken,
In the end I have won.


• Written in abcb, 7-6-7-6 format


M C Gupta
24 August 2008