He yells again.
I fall to the shadows
Inside my soul.
I don’t know if I can take anymore.

I close my eyes and fly
To a magical, quiet place.
I close my heart
And cringe as he touches
My face.

My stomach turns
I hold my breath
Knowing I’ve made him upset
Once more.

And I feign the act of life.

I smile outside
As strangers
Continue to walk by.
Avert my eyes.
Always looking down
While I silently
Crumple to the ground.

Maybe I’m not strong enough.
Maybe I’m a fool.
Maybe living in this deranged

Place is

Where I’m meant to be.
Maybe I’ve misunderstood the
Meaning of free.

Then again,

Maybe Not.