Two Pieces (M)
M
Why?
Why did I love him? This man who called me names, gave me black eyes and terrified me?
Why did I believe him when he said he loved me? This man who spent nights with other women and then tortured me by describing each assignation?
Why didn’t I leave him? This man whom I knew was no good for me? This man who belonged in prison for his deeds? This man who belonged in Hell for his sins?
Does it matter now? Now that he’s been to prison and to Hell.
Yesterday and Today
Yesterday I was bullied, beaten, and brainwashed. My partner cut me off from my friends and my family. Yet I was blind to his guilt. After all, he was just “helping me.” That’s what he said; he was just helping me.
Today my eyes are open. To the pain and derision I suffered yesterday. To the respect my new mate gives me. To the caring and devotion of true love.
Copyright Credit: M, “Why?" and "Today and Tomorrow" from Survival & Beyond, Issue 2 / Fall 2024 (Safe Passage, 2024). Copyright © 2024 by Safe Passage. Reprinted with the permission of the author.