Because I Love You

She told me to do this, 

to talk at the mirror.

Say affirmations

Gain self validation

So that I can find a solution to the problems I've been having.

I am strong, smart, and pretty damn awesome!

Strong, smart, pretty dame awesome

Strong, smart, pretty-- 

He never thought those things. 

In fact, he'd often times argue them

"Why are you trying to do that? You're not strong enough!" 

"Why are you arguing with me, you dumb bitch?! You're not smart enough!" 

"Why don't you put on some makeup and dress up pretty, that way you're hot enough," 

I made myself liitle and less than myself. 

But, it was okay, because, he loved me. 

He loved me so much he decorated my skin with black and blue bruises.

I was his toy he'd use:

For pleasure, for hand jobs, for sex. 

All because he loved me. 

And now here I am.

Tired of being bruised.

Enough being used.

Because that's not love.

In front of the mirror for the rest of time 

reciting affirmations, earning self validation, because 

I am strong.

I am smart.

I am pretty damn awesome

and because, I love you.