I love you

He whispered I do this because I love you.

With every bruise, his signature

As if signed with love from a dear friend

gift-wrapped in sheets and pillowcases

I, his love but he couldn’t control his rages

Forcing love to mean violence and hatred

He definitely loved me, daily.

He loved the women he entertained.

He would call each of them my new mom.

As if a playful nickname would lock them down

His love grasped you by the throat

Your lungs burning for the taste of air

But the relief would never come.

Just bleak darkness and silence.

But then you came.

You were different.

Instead of stabbing me with verbal knives

You caressed me with a soft voice

I didn’t trust your words at first.

You understood.

You didn’t expect anything of me.

I poured my heart out to you.

All my chains still dragging alongside me

You said I love you.

And instead of flinching

I understood.

You had mended me.

You were a breath of fresh air.

I was no object, I was you partner.

You my equal. You my savior.

I love you.