Bruising

It started slow, Like a bruise you didn't know you had, Then the next morning it was there, purpling your skin, only growing larger. You think it grotesque. I thought it was a mess on a beautiful canvas. I watched your descent, oblivious as always. I thought you perfect and could not tell. You were screaming they fled not from your mouth but from your arms. stomach. thighs. They ran to me, finally you called and I realized; I had been sitting by the phone for weeks. Don't tell me, no. You deserved better they said, She deserved better. I knew your mind, I knew your thoughts. You told me your screams, you whispered them to my awaiting ears as they clawed at your mind. And once again I witnessed a fall. It started slow, on my skin. One day I glanced down and it was there, blossoming, and as my bruises grew so did your smile. And finally you were happy. And the screams fled not from your skin, but from mine.