|
Domestic Violence
|
The clock alarm is ringing. It's 5A.M. again. I jump up from a restless sleep,in hopes not to waken him. I rush into the kitchen. And start the coffee pot. Then hurry to the bathroom, Throwing on the blouse that I bought. I then looked in the mirror, See the bruises on my head. And start to think about last night, The cruel words that he said. He told me I was worthless, I didn't know how to cook. He said that I was hopeless, Then smashed me with a book. I don't know why it started, Or just what I did wrong. But I know that I'll try harder, In hope we'll get along. So now I grab the make-up, To cover the bruise. I have to be at work at six. I have no time to loose. I quickly make the kids their breakfast, Then rush off out the door, Whispering softly to my two small ones,"Be good,I'll be home at four. Relaxing now I drive to work, My tension starts to calm. I'm thinking now how safe I feel. I escaped any harm. I get to work, the questions start,"What happened to your head?" "Oh silly me," I lie to them, I bumped it on the bed." "I was folding laundry and my son ran in, He asked me for a drink. I dropped the clothes and then bent down. I didn't even think. By the foot of the bed there's a rusting nail, I've really been meaning to fix. Our house just needs so many repairs, It really makes me sick." I gues by there reaction,They believed this great big lie.I've learned to cover up so well,It makes me want to cry.The day went by way too fast.It now was quarter past three.Just fifteen minutes left of peace,Then the problems start up once again for me. At 3:30 I rushed to the time clock.My co-worker approached me right then."Why don't we go shopping for shoes,"she said."My husband works late now;till ten"I made up excuses,The kids,doctors,errands,and such.My friend looked a little discouraged,But I told her I really must rush.I had to grab groceries for supper.I pulled in the store parking lot.Remembering I didn't have my money,He took last night when we fought.I knew the kids needed their supper.I'd been in this same mess before.I took a deep breathe and proceeded,I went right in the store.I watched closely and no one was looking,I went to the long deli row.I pocketed cheeses and bologna.No one saw me so quickly i go.I pulled into the driveway to our house.I knew I was late one more time.I took a long look at the doorway.He was waiting to lecture my crime."Where were you?!"he hollered so loudly.I thought it would rupture my ears.I timidly answered,"I'm sorry."Not the answer he wanted to hear.He backed me up next to the counter,And told me I better not lie.He said,"Make them damn brats stop screaming,Or I'll give them good reason to cry.He said he was sick of my trashy dirty ways.I better just clean up my life.He married me hoping I wouldn't be a tramp.He was sorry he made me his wife.I apoologized over and over."I swear I won't be late again."Some mircle happened that moment,Cause he backed off and just let it end.I immediately quieted my children.I told them,"Now everything is fine.You have to sit down at the table.I need to get supper on time."They settled and looked at their flash cards.I made them a sandwich and drink.I glanced in the den and I saw him.Discouraged,didn't know what to think.He lay there passed out on the sofa.The newspaper sprawled on his head.Next to him set the bottle of whiskey.The love I once felt now was dead.Our life was once happy and peaceful.He worked and he smiled everyday.We went out to dances and movies.My husband respected my ways.The kids now to bed with their teddies.We hugged and I heard their prayers.I turned out the lights and threw kisses.Turned around and he's standing right there!"Where is my supper?,he asked me with hatred."I'll get it right now,"I reply.But he grabs me and pulls on my nightgown.Now the time comes I wish I could die.When he's finished with his satisfaction,He rolls over and turns out the lights.Now I whimper and stifle my heartache.I know now that our life isn't right.The next morning I wake to the sunshine.He left early,og this I am glad.I rush to wake up my children.Say,"We're leaving cause daddy is bad."I pack up some clothes in a suitcase.Then hurriedly put on my shoes.Not knowing quite yet where to run to.But,I know it's the right thing to do.We get into the car and open the door,I get them hooked into the seats.Next,starting to get in the drivers door,He's right there to stop me DEFEAT!!!!He grabs me so hard and so forceful.Then screams in my face,"Get inside."The neighbors are watching by now with their glares.He tells me,"Right now or you will die."I scream as he lashes out punches.I holler for help and I cry.When I can't take no more,I drop to the ground.Then he let's his foot kick me in my eye.I wake up in a hospitol bed.I beg for my mother and kids.They tell me I must be quiet and calm.He broke all the bones in my ribs.A social worker comes to my bedside.She tells me he got sent to jail.As I sigh with relief,she says,Hold on,At 4:30 they let him pay bail.I've been through this for many long years now.He's locked up,they just set him free.Please tell me dear judges and jurors I ask."Now how would you like to be me?"Please help me and others just like me.Protect us from beatings and shame.I'm not just a folder in your file.I'm human and I am not to blame.We can't fight this battle without you.Protect us; we do need your time.So do us one favor I beg you.Please make these cruel people serve time
|
|
|
|
