To The Secrets We Keep

On this never ending path, a war rages on.

She shrieks out words; he tosses a punch.

Down she tumbles, spirit crushed;

But with shaken legs and a blackened eye,

She gets up. “You can’t hurt me.”

He seizes her by the hair, pins her down.

A little girl awakens, rubbing her eyes.

“Mommy, your eye.” He gets off

And clomps away to empty another bottle.

Tears in her eyes,

She extends her arms toward the little girl;

The little girl climbs in her mother’s lap.

“What’s wrong with daddy?”

The little girl inquires.

Mommy is silent.

No words can be spoken; it’s a mother duty to protect.

Back to bed, she carries her daughter.

The blankets get pulled up

And a kiss is placed on her forehead.

“I love you,” she whispers,

Knowing she has to go face the monster.