A SMILE

A SMILE

BY MOLLY TUCHTENHAGEN

I glance around this place I call hell:

dirty Levi’s flung on top a broken dresser,

garbage and clothes overflowing the closet,

spiderwebs painting the ceiling.

Bud Lite cans litter the floor like Legos,

prescription bottles line the window.

I’m nauseous from the Captain Morgan on his breath.

I glance at his arms.

I’m not surprised--

fresh tracks mixed with dark scars line his arms.

He becomes more aggressive with every thrust,

penetrating my paralyzed body.

I’m crying.

I’m shaking.

I’m begging for it to stop.

He grabs my neck and shakes me until I’m quiet.

“Enjoy this.” He commands in a whisper

and a smile.