I should be able
to stand behind you,
feeling your strength
as you defend us til death

I should be able
to fall to pieces and
feel nothing but the comfort
of the promise that you’ll stay

Instead, I cower and wonder
what fresh hell
you’ll bring to me next,
packaged up with
a tag that says “love”

Instead, I cower
and wonder
what’s next?

I cower and wish
I could make myself
so small I disappear
so you don’t have the chance
to hurt me anymore

Inspired by the Writer’s Write October prompts | Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano