Abomination

Daddy was a preacher

a high roller

in a small town

ranting his sermons on Sunday

living in sin the rest of the week.

I knew what his feelings were going to be.

I heard him pontificate on it

many a time

but my heart was sure.

I sat before him

as he glared at me

demanding that I obey

abandon the one that I love

just because it would hurt his good name.

The first lash of the belt

that one hurt the most.

Methodically

slowly he flagellated

each strip on fire

cruelty in his venom.

I cried

begged to be free

but daddy…..

refused to let me go

tying me to my bed

while I screamed with horror.

In the dark of the night

as he snored in drunken slumber

I crept away

never turning around

never looking back

fleeing that house of pain.

I can show you the scars I bear

but I have worked hard

to put them away.

The memories

flood my nightmares

as I hear his roars:

‘You are an abomination. 

God will love you no more.’

September 5/18

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash