You

Knocked the breath out of her.

Hands hit skin,

Words hit heart.

She was fearful

Of everyone.

Scared to speak.

Scared to move.

To say the wrong word,

To give the wrong look.

Her legs always shaking step by step.

Heaven forbid a tear should fall

(You damn crybaby)

Her voice so small

(Speak up! Speak up! But only when I tell you to!).

Eyes on the floor.

Walk so very softly.

(Become the wallpaper upon the wall

Your fingers never touch)

When She breathes, if she breathes,

Hold it, listen.

(What the hell are you wearing?)

Do not move another step

Until

Television volume up high

To mask the sound of her

Existence.

(They walk among us)

The controllers and abusers,

The controlled and abused.

And Momma always said

You never know what goes on behind

Closed doors.