Abuse

Three years
Six months
Two days
Wasted.
Thrown away.
Spent in the dark days of hurting
because no one told me
abuse is not always physical.

One year
Four months
One week
Of recovery.
Of freedom.
Of happiness,
because someone finally told me
abuse is not always physical.

Search “abuse definition”
Abuse; verb;
use to a bad effect or a bad purpose.
Abuse; noun;
cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal.

Can you give me an example?
Sure! and I quote
“a black eye and other signs of physical abuse.”

So, wait, you’re telling me
it can only be abuse if it’s physical?
That it’s only abuse if you can see it?

Because my emotional state
when you don’t answer me
or act slightly different
or talk about a female friend
races and is quick to overthink
while it paints some pretty dramatic scenes
of lies, and cheating.

Because my brain?
it feels pretty fucking abused
after three years, six months, and four days.

Abuse is not always physical and visible.
Sometimes it’s whispered words of hate
written in LCD pixels to be read at 3 a.m.
while you wonder if he’s still alive
because, for some reason,
you still think you’re in love.

No one told me,
so let me tell you,
and, please,
listen to me,
repeat the words I say,
Abuse is not always physical or visible.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of any kind of abuse I urge you to get help, or to try, caringly, to help them. It is frustrating, and exhausting, but I promise, if you do it right, they will thank you in the end.
Visit: thehotline.org
Call: 1-800-7997-233 or 9-1-1
Text: 1-800-7873-224