Bruised by you

Bruised by you

your hands shaped my bruised face,

dark marks spreading over my skin,

each wound showing your temper,

each breath filled with fear.

I stayed inside too frightened to be seen,

covering colours you painted across my cheek,

a map of hurt I never chose,

a silence I lived inside.

your shouting rose through every night,

your fists landing before thought,

I lived in a house that swallowed my voice,

leaving me small and shaking.

one morning came after a night that broke me,

my bruised face aching deeply,

my heart knowing you would take my life soon,

and truth settling heavy in my chest.

I stood shaking barely whole,

the mirror showing what you made,

and I realised I must leave to survive,

or fade forever in your shadow.

I ran, eyes swollen and cheek burning,

my body trembling with fear,

hope pushing my feet forward at last,

the world opening as I fled.

my parents opened their warm door,

saw my bruises and held my pain,

their love wrapped around the bits shattered,

their arms giving me breath again.

they healed me slow and true,

restoring strength and restoring self,

and the girl you tried to end rose back to life,

finding the power you stole.

Now I help women with bruised faces,

their fear heavy and their nights cruel,

their voices quiet but ready to rise,

their hearts reaching for safety.

I guide them toward freedom and peace,

showing the path I once took,

and every woman proves healing is real,

no bruise can hold us forever