Twenty Years of Living Hell

This face that stares back at me
This can't be my face, no not me
Split lip and bloody nose
Left eye almost closed, swollen

My shoulders sore from hitting wall
Bruised ribs from kicking
Tender breasts from punches met
And aching down there from raping

He's left, gone to work
To protect and serve the public
Uphold the law, stop crime
Wears his uniform proudly

What do you do, where do you go
When your abuser is a copper
Close the ranks, protect their own
You're only his wife, you don't matter

Twenty years a living hell
If I left he would shoot me
Bullet quick, in the back
I really did believe him

Came the time I didn't care
Even if he killed me
Packed my bags, got out of there
Eventually divorced him

Been four years since I left
Life is now a bit better
But even now still shake with fright
When I see a uniform

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Author notes

This is based on a real life story about a person I once knew.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Torres Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 10:27 AM
this is horrible! ..2o years..thaNk God that was over... I'm on my 12th years now...and seeking for a courage to pack my bags and leave teh darkness..Thank you for sharing it , Stephens.. you penned it so well!! oxox
Curtis Avatar
March 15, 2014 at 3:48 AM
Even one year of abuse is one year too many ... one needs to find the courage to walk away ... there is always help out there
Van Akkeren Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 4:51 AM
Very very powerful..glad the person got out she is one of the lucky ones. Very well written and i'm sorry to say this is very often a true story. Good luck in the comp.
Curtis Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 5:14 AM
Thank you for your comment
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