so still.

there's still a little blood on my thigh
from when he decided to take his time
no nerve for fighting
i just sat there, silently screaming in

there's still a little bruise on my cheek
from when he decided to make me feel weak
no point in fighting
i just stood there crying, silently screaming in

there's still a little ring 'round my throat
from when he decided to give me a choke
no use in fighting
i just shut down, silently screaming in

there's still a little break in their hearts
from when they begged him to stop from the start
no strength for fighting
they were so still, silently screaming for me

back down

i tip my hat and back out gracefully.

transcended beyond a lesser me;
an incomplete version
of a lost little woman.
i've upgraded
and the air is thin here.

shoved aside, tucked away
ignored and still swallowed pride.
i let my ego stand aside.
though the hurt still flows
just as heavy
twisting through every bend of my mind and body
and I can't help but wonder,
when does this end?

i've given my heart.  i've given my soul.
i've dedicated, committed, promised, and cried.

perhaps this is my lesson
among the many other things
and for those who need it
i will always bend.