The Morning After

He doesn’t think of The Morning After

Lips are gashed in

The black-purple colour of your tears

Pink wrists and arms,

Wiping away the blood that stains your teeth

The difficulty of breathing that night and

Hearing meaningless “I’m Sorry but you made me”

Crying, begging for him to stop,

He doesn’t feel what you feel

The Morning After, he doesn’t need to explain to the nosy colleagues

Nor can he wipe away the humiliation from over-excessive foundation because of your swollen face

The Morning After

When you have to explain and hide for him

Sharing that story and looking at your friends in the face

Sorrow, Shame, Heartbreak, Blame... The Morning After,

The strong woman that once lived is No More

"Physical aggression by a man toward his partner is abuse, even if it happens only once. If he raises a fist; punches a hole in the wall; throws things at you; blocks your way; restrains you; grabs, pushes, or pokes you; or threatens to hurt you, that’s physical abuse. He is creating fear and using your need for physical freedom and safety as a way to control you." - Lundy Bancroft