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.

Love is a Playground Swing

Love is a playground swing.

Love is full of desire.
You start out slow and then you go higher.
Love sways back and forth, up and down.

Love is the wind in your hair,

Love is cold, hard, and rusty.
Love is the childhood memory,
the broken arm after jumping off.

Love can take your breath away.

Love may be safe but you can never stay long.
Love can’t wait for a sunny day
after a week of rain.

Love is surrounded by smiling faces.

You have to run from love but,
you always make it back.
Love goes higher, higher, and higher.

Love is forever.