Written July 15 2026 for the Patterns Contest sponsor Sara Kendrick
“Domestic violence often follows a cycle that includes tension building, an incident of abuse, reconciliation, and a calm phase before the cycle repeats. This pattern can escalate over time, with the frequency and severity of abuse increasing.” Mayo Clinic. Wikipedia You are beautiful even when black and blue You are the victims and survivors of violence You are men and women hiding a bruise Pretending makeup or shades is just styling You walk sandy soft for there’s a big stick Or a belt or a fist or and words that hurt You are afraid to leave maybe you have kids Amethyst heart the pattern starts it’s absurd Patterns first you are being green gaslit Always a scream blaming you for it all Next is the scene you wish to skip Throwing things or maybe you against the wall You are not to blame for the pain Carefully you must exit but it’s hard Perhaps it’s the way he/she calls your name You know that the apology is to start Spread your wings battered butterfly God created you to persevere in life Make a plan to escape and fly high Happiness will follow in due time
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