Domestic Violence

You were doing the dishes, and you slammed down a plate.
You picked up a mug and hurled it toward me in hate.
It missed me, but it flew to the couch hitting our daughter.
She was so young she could barely teeter or totter.

I picked her up quickly as she burst out in tears.
You tried to tear her from me to subside all her fears.
I wouldn’t let you have her, not after what you’d done.
She shouldn’t have to fear her father let alone anyone.

Other days you’d scream and throw the laundry around,
I tried to fold things right but your actions did astound.
You’d scream how I was stupid and couldn’t do anything right.
I felt little and worthless, despised in your sight.

You’d shove me to the floor and out of bed I’d fall,
When you were pissed off by things seemingly small.
Bruises you left on my wrists while you pinned me down.
Screaming at me wildly as I was forced to the ground.

You’d punch the wall or make subtle threats,
If you didn’t feel like your needs were being fully met.
If I said no, you ignored me in anger, and continued to push.
Clearly my voice meant nothing and I simply had to shush.

In rage you would try to force others off the road.
Pushing them into the wrong lane toward a semi with load,
It bore down toward us all, and I’d scream in fear.
You thought it was funny to invite death near.

In rage one day you pulled out a gun,
Hopped in your car, and your wheels quickly spun.
You sought revenge for a perceived wrong.
Your anger was always overwhelming and strong.

You said you’d kill my animals which was no idle threat.
You’d killed many before, including your friend’s cat.
Would you kill a person? I feared for my life,
As more violent you became from conflict and strife.

You pulled a gun on a stranger when he knocked on our door.
Me being pregnant and in fear I fell to the floor.
I didn’t know what you would do as you cocked the gun.
I was afraid for my safety and that of our son.

Each day I walked on eggshells never knowing how you’d be.
Sometimes pleasant for a minute, and next I’d want to flee.
My physical health started to deteriorate from all the stress.
It only made you angrier as I could do less and less.

One day I left in fear as I drove through the night.
Three kids in tow, filled with terror and fright.
What if you found us, what would you do then?
I couldn’t go back, not to where we had been.

To a secret location we fled for our lives.
You stalked us for months, we simply couldn’t hide.
You found our new home and let it be known.
You drove by it daily, to see if we were home.

Many years passed before I finally felt peace.
Now that you no longer haunt me, a new life I lease.
You finally moved on, no longer holding onto me.
I made it thus far and now I am free.

©2025 Stephanie Blomquist