Silent Bruises

They say '"love is patient, love is kind" But what about the love that leaves bruises behind The love that whispers sweet nothings by day But turns into thunder when you disobey The love that says "I didn't mean it" Yet, the walls still remember every scream in it See, love ain't supposed to taste like fear Like holding your breath when he draws near Like stepping on glass just to keep the peace Like praying that this time the rage will cease Like covering the scars with long sleeves and lies Telling the world, "I'm fine", while your soul slowly dies But ain't love supposed to heal, not harm? Ain't love supposed to be open arms? Not fists, not threats, not broken dreams Not drowning in silence, too scared to scream Not apologising for the tears that fall Not shrinking yourself just to survive it all So tonight, I speak for the ones still trapped For the voices silenced, the hearts collapsed For the ones who forgot how freedom feels For the ones who mistake control for something real For the ones who believe they deserve this fate Let me tell now that it's never too late Because love ain't supposed to break, Ain't supposed to bruise, Ain't supposed to make you feel like you lose Yourself, your worth, or your right to be free Love ain't pain, and pain ain't he. So if you're reading, if this is your book Know you are worthy, know you are strong. One step forward, one breath, one day, And soon, love will no longer be the reason to stay.