For the Women Who've Survived

I am not a victim, she tells her mother, who's concerned about her well being and the state of her health.

I am not a victim, she tells her friends, who never see her anymore because he doesn't want her hanging around them.

I am not a victim, she tells her sister, who cries on the phone as she tells her she misses her.

I am not a victim, she tells the neighbor, who's growing concern begins to intimidate her.

I am not a victim! She begins to yell. Because they don't understand and they can all go to hell

Cause he's a good man, just no one else sees it, and when he tells her he loves her like no one else could she really believes it.

But boiling water doesn't equal a bath, and bruises shouldn't lead to excuses, emotional or otherwise, all trauma is traumatic.

But I am not a victim, she reasons.

I am not a victim.

I am not a victim.