Break the Silence

Upon silent reflection, I made up my mind
to follow my heart, but love can be blind.
I was so much in love. It was hard to see
love was one sided, most definitely.

He had been so attentive when we started out.
Tension was building. He began to doubt.
His temper now flared up. He wanted control.
Not just of my body,  but also my soul.

No amount of appeasing, would cause him to change.
He would not listen. He only found blame.
That was when it started, though slowly at first.
Soon beatings got worse, and so did the hurts.

I tried hard to cover the bruises and marks,
so no one could see and make remarks.
One night he’d been drinking; came home early.
Screams brought the neighbors. They called EMT’s.

Though broken and battered, I still clung to life.
How could he do this? I was his wife!
Upon silent reflection, on what I should do,
I couldn’t go home. Our marriage was through.

I was considered lucky. I managed to live.
I felt lost and alone, with nothing to give.
This cycle of violence, is vicious you see.
None of us thinks it can happen to me.

There is help for everyone, man, woman or child,
To escape from terror when things get wild.
One call to this number, and it is toll-free,
1−800−799−SAFE (7233).


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Domestic violence can include hitting, kicking, beating, raping, choking, threatening, controlling, or keeping you from getting what you need to live (such as: food, medicine or a home) by a spouse, boyfriend, partner or "ex." Domestic violence occurs in all socio-economic levels, regardless or employment or education, race or ethnic background, religion, marital status, physical ability, age or sexual orientation.