I Know That Silence

I know that silence you hold in your chest, The scream behind smiles, the ache in your rest. Where love means walking a thin wire line, And his “I’m sorry” feels like a red warning sign. I know all the lies and the secrets you hide— what would they say if the truth got outside? You map every bruise like it’s something you earned, Like pain is a lesson you somehow deserved. Wiped your own blood off the floor with numbness and pain. Convinced you’re at fault for his anger, his reign. You trace every bruise like a map of your blame, While he walks unbothered, untouched by the shame. But I’ve been there too—with concussions and shame, Convincing myself I was somehow to blame. If I’d only been quieter… better… more kind, Maybe the monster would leave me behind. But he never left — he just shifted his role, Love became silence that swallowed me whole. I defended the hands that left bruises behind, Told doctors and friends, “It’s nothing — I’m fine.” He broke more than bones—he rewrote my name, even taught my children I should carry the blame. He shattered my voice with each cruel word, Until I no longer trusted what I even heard. Threats, control, and all my things smashed, Every piece of my dignity he slowly trashed. He twisted my thoughts, erased who I was, Still I stayed, claiming he had a cause. But I finally broke free though I bled, crawled and ran. Now I rise not as his—but as my own woman. And to every woman still caught up in that storm— a whole world awaits where it’s safe and it’s warm. I know you feel broken. You’re not too far gone. it doesn’t mean you were weak just because you held on. You believed his words you’ve heard many times Felt your wings break, felt your worth decline. I’ve been there dear girl, right where you are- It cuts like a knife and it will leave a scar. You’ve done nothing wrong, please understand- He’s the one with the problem, only yours to withstand. Stand strong girl, be brave have courage to cope- Get your thoughts together and grab on to hope. There’s laughter, there’s love, sunlight awaits your face, A future that’s yours—your truth, your own space. He is not your destiny. I’m sorry, He never was. You are a miracle, not born to his laws. You’re still breathing, still standing, still strong. And one day, you’ll prove he was so damn wrong.