You Made Her Cry

I knew. 
Red flags only I saw. 
words 
falling on deaf ears 
not 
hearing what I have to say. 
I watched. 
Her love for you; 
it slipped 
it slid 
it wound itself around you 
until..... 
swearing upon the bible 
changes were coming. 
No longer would you abuse. 
No longer would you lie. 
No longer would you cheat. 
lies you whispered 
lies you told 
falling on deaf ears 
she so wanted to believe 
even as I watched the collapse 
of this fairy tale you promised. 
Barely understood her 
the screams 
the tears 
the pain 
but it finally penetrated 
you had done it again. 
When I arrived 
she was a bloody mess. 
My rage grew 
until all I saw was red. 
She begged me not to do anything rash. 
I promised I would not. 
After the hospital 
I took her home; 
my home; 
put her to bed 
kissed her on the forehead 
and whispered..... 
I've gotta go 
I need to see a man about a horse. 
I sat in that darkened room 
waiting for you. 
I heard your steps 
I heard you stumble 
and the cold smile 
the one you always hated 
spreads across my face as I wait. 
You scream her name. 
You yell such abuse. 
When you walk in the room 
turn on the lights 
see me sitting here 
caressing your bat 
your venom spewed 
as I prevoked. 
Touched you there. 
Touched you here. 
Touched you with one swing 
that broke your ribs. 
Snivieling; 
writhing on the ground 
swearing you will get me 
she is yours 
never will you let her go. 
He came at me officer. 
I tried to reason with him 
I swear. 
Never will he touch my sister again. 
Never will he berate, 
abuse, 
cause her fear..... 
I did warn him 
what would happen 
if ever 
ever 
ever 
he made her cry again. 

©Jan. 7/23