This poem was written after a woman told me of the years of verbal and emotional abuse she suffered. (I'm a victim advocate)

AGAINST THE GRAIN

(Melinda Lewis)

Everything I do is done for you.

Your choice is my choice.

Before I move, I await your cue.

My words you say, for I fear my own voice.

My reality is moment by moment.

Your ever-presence keeps hold of me.

In your world I am simply a resident.

There I will stay, for I am afraid to flee.

It would be foolish to go against the grain.

Ahead of me would only lie misery.

I am too weak to suffer any more pain.

Past memories return only to vividly.

I breathe, but to grant your every wish.

My body and mind are of your possession.

If someone else could only feel my anguish.

My soul is but a mere skeleton.