If Someone Loves You

A cover’s no way to judge a book The first few words is all it took To open up the memory chest Of a dark past so long suppressed. Like a dog let off its lead The words are sticks I must retrieve To read of someone else’s pain The threats, the violence and the shame. Lying curled up in a ball Drunken menace in the hall Racing heart cannot prevent Looming shadow, no consent. Calloused hands move from neck to arms Leave no bruise or signs of harm “I didn’t hurt you, you are mine Say no again, I will next time”. Each leaf turned brings back a time When this memoir echoed mine Tale unfolds upon each page Tells of horrors, threats and rage. I can’t take this anymore Throw the book down on the floor Sitting reading will not stop All the heart ache and the rot. If someone loves you, they won’t do All these dreadful things to you No person should endure this hell Stop it now, it’s time to tell.