The bruises have long since healed,
but their echoes are on me,
angry voices, liquered breath coats me.

The grime of time and pain
is unwashable.

When he put his fist to me
the impact was immense, broken jaw
and bloodied mouth,
the blood still pools even now.

................

And in the meantime I am left with nothing
but memories and dust.

05/09/2005

Posted on 05/09/2005
Copyright © 2026 Vikki Owens