But I Remember…(Domestic Abuse)
But I remember…
“Quit your job!” You demanded, one breadwinner is all we need
Shocking, how from then on, your control over me grew in increasing speed
But I remember…
All it took was that one day when…, wait a minute, I can’t recall the beginning
I mean, one day, we started to argue, all of a sudden I saw your hands flying
But I remember…
Am I correct, or did it all begin with that time you called me out of my name
The questioning look of disgust displayed on my face sure did put you to shame
But I remember…
I decided to stay, ignoring all the red flags
You took that as a sign to start treating me like rags
But I remember…
You took away the sparkle in my eyes from joyful tears of laughter
Nowadays, my eyes remain red from the constant tears of anger
But I remember…
Sweet words used to escape those succulent lips
Lately, only harsh words flow out to match your aggressive fists
But I remember…
Morning, day, and night, you kept my mind stimulated
Now, with your constant put downs, all you do is get me frustrated
But I remember…
The strategic and fun mind games we played kept me on my toes
Somehow, your games turned deceitful, turning us into foes
But I remember…
My body, oh my body, used to come alive in your hands
Strangely, now I’m repulsed by the touch of your hands
But I remember…
A glass of fine red wine would give way to a good night sleep
The glasses and my resentment multiplied, as a bloody pool forms at my feet
But I remember…
Those hands were meant to provide protection
Instead, all they do is cause destruction
But I remember…
Silly me, I believed a change would come someday
“Sorry won’t cut it anymore”, I said, “it all stops today!”
But I remember…
Powerless, I used to be, why was I so afraid?
But, but, but…, but I finally stopped remembering…
Powerful, I have become, now that I’m in control of my life
STOP ALL
mental, physical, psychological, emotional, financial, sexual,
verbal and substance abuse in domestic partnerships
#mensufferstoo #menremainssilent #helpmenspeakout
Background story of how the poem came about:
This poem has been sitting around for two months because I couldn’t piece out all of my thoughts together. On 12/15/16, I attended a volunteer event at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty where a social worker talked intensively about domestic violence while showing a short clip of how violence starts and progress in a relationship. As I listened intently, I started to make mental notes of how I will use the information to add to my poem.
Funny story about my volunteer work is that out of 4 volunteer options, this location was third on my list. But, I had to switch my choice due to the cancellation of my first option. It all worked out in my favor and I arrived home early enough to actually complete the poem.
Moral of the story is, my volunteer service helped to fuel my creativity to finish the poem.
The universe has a funny way of communicating with me 😀
Introvertedly Quirky 
I was touched by this piece…Funny I come across this as I was sitting reflecting on how fragile my heat seems lately and how I can trace this to mental/emotional abuse I’ve suffered in relationships. Very hard thing for a man to admit he can be hurt emotionally and by a woman at that….abuse comes in so many forms…
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Hi HughCipher, thank you for reaching out. It makes me feel happy when I can touch someone in this fashion. It’s never easy for a man to open up about any form of abuse, so I commend you for admitting that you, as a man, has been abused before. It’s funny how the universe works sometimes in communicating messages to people. I hope you find it in yourself to break free from the past so it no longer haunt you and I wish you luck on your road to recovery. You are strong and abuse does not define you as a person. Take care of yourself!
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I was touched by this piece…Funny I come across this as I was sitting reflecting on how fragile my “heart”(correction) seems lately and how I can trace this to mental/emotional abuse I’ve suffered in relationships. Very hard thing for most men to admit he can be hurt emotionally and by a woman at that….abuse comes in so many forms…
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