To the Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse – Dreams & Nightmares

DREAMS & NIGHTMARES

Silent tears

Stifled sobs

Eyes tightly shut

Refusing to see

and remember

what the night looks like

A hand covering the mouth

The scream unheard

The body folded like fetus

Until the break of dawn

She has to wake up and rise

To begin her day

No matter what

Water running down her body

She needs to wash away last night’s pain

That left no visible cuts and fractured bones

Except the broken pieces inside of her

No bruises, no blood

just an ugly scar in her soul

and the crushed spirit

from angry words and lost hopes

To make it through the night

She dreamed of childhood joys

and her father’s strength

and her mother’s patience

She clings to the memories

Of her grandmother’s song

And her grandfather’s wisdom

She let them stay as long as they can

So she would not lose her mind

And the memories

She goes to work and smiles sweetly

Hides the pain of broken-ness

Nobody knew what she goes through

When nights have cruel shadows

And creeping demons

They call her pretty and smart

She smiles and say thank you

The ugliness of the night forgotten

Until it is time to go to bed

(All Rights Reserved Pitsik Dominado March 30, 2013)