Battered, broken, bloody all over,
Bears flowers, swears never again,
Echoes hollow, fruitless promises,
Saying all the love you’s right on cue.
Please don’t tell papa about the cuts
And hide the bruises from big brother,
Why bother little sister with new scars,
Swears on a grave, hopes that’s the end.
Brew up lies to ease friends’ worry faces,
Pay no heed to mama’s needless pleas,
Agree to never ever speak to that man,
Swears in tears and signs in own blood.
Hard person to love with a knife blade
Pressed constantly against their throat,
Saying sorry too often, longing for days
When the marks on skin were just kisses.
