Love is not

I was five when I thought love was terrifying,

composed of lies, screams, shattered glass and broken ribs.

I said to myself no-never,

I was five then, sad later, in love now.

Love, 

it's not meant to be painful, abusive;

no black eyes, manipulation, threats and fear.

I was five when I said no to love,

but I am not my mother,

he is not my father,

Their story is not allowed to become ours,

because although I was five then, I'm unafraid now.