The Backyard Secret

"Come a bit closer, I need your help
with this"...

But I saw him holding in his breaths,
voice so calm I could feel the tension
smooth it's way toward me-

I leapt back, knowing if I went forward
the children would hear,
but I knew I would have to run
and be the one chased.

"No, do it yourself, no one needs
to help you."

Eyes turning, turning colors
I thought were that of a storm,
not a human. Suddenly, his legs
were like a cheetah

and I couldn't outrun him.

I fell back onto the long and
peaceful grass, staggering
and twisting my eyes to see
huge hands knead my back
and rush ahead....

I rolled over trying not to fall
down our hill,
when he raced back and
smacked me in the face.

He had never hit the front
side of my face before,
I knew his hands were capable
of pounding my side, my chest,
my back

but what is this? A want to maim?
Skin being peeling apart?

And blood, red anger,
dripping down
down.

I ran the few yards home..

"No one saw, no one knows...
Promise me you won't tell.
Do it NOW."

And the words were out of me
before my heart could stop them.

I didn't stop running...

Few things can cover up
the cuts, but I decided to cake
on make-up and wait 'til
nighttime under sheets
to put on bandages...

ever girl has their secrets,
and for me these bandages
would be the only shelter
the only visible healing.

Few things would ever be
the same.

Written August 18, 2012 at 7:53 pm.