At a recent open mic, a couple of people addressed the subject of abuse in the things they read. People I know have addressed the subject in blog posts and private conversations…

I listened to her words
added up to forty-four
shook my head
and wondered how…

Another voice spoke up
this one from the corner
asking the question
and I wondered why…

I remembered a story
from a friend of mine
It happened at thirteen
and I wondered how…

Hands in the dark
hands on her face
What did she do to deserve it?
I have to wonder…

They say it’s common
that’s what I can’t understand
What is it that builds and builds
and explodes in the fists of a man?

And where will it end?

(21 October 2015—posted October 23rd)