Your my Violence

The words you use hurt more than anything,
more than a slap across the face or
hands around my neck.

I watch you yell and breathe fire.
You instill fear in those who love you.
Your yelling chokes me and makes be beg for life.

Then I say something:

“STOP”-

and it drives you over the edge.

Your fingers wrap around my neck,
and tears start to cascade down my face-
a raging waterfall.

I slip away.

As my bare feet race over
the gravel on the road,
the tears blur my vision.

My legs stop running.

My heart keeps pounding.
Sadness takes over
and I fall to the ground.

The tears come harder
now at thought of my return.