Member-only story
Life Betrayed — 1
A journey
Over the next 10 days, I will be posting ten connected poems about abuse and possible recovery. Some people may find the content confronting, even disturbing. It contains strong language and is emotionally charged. The content is not suitable for children.
I lie curled on an unmade bed.
I hug my knees and stare ahead.
The pink walls crawl with last night’s shame,
with angry words, with guilt, with blame.
The wound between my legs still bleeds,
so urgent were his fucking needs.
His prodding prick against my thighs.
He laughed and drooled at my loud cries.
I screamed and yelled; he hit me twice,
his bloodshot eyes as cold as ice.
“Shut up you slut, you’re mine tonight!”
I couldn’t move, I couldn’t fight.
And then he dumped me in a drain,
the only salve the soaking rain.
I lie curled on an unmade bed.
I hug my knees and stare ahead.
[Daan Spijer asserts the moral right to be acknowledged as the author of this work]
In Australia, help may be sought through:
- emergencies: call 000
- 1800RESPECT : https://www.1800respect.org.au : 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au : 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline : https://kidshelpline.com.au : 1800 55 1800
- for men: https://www.whiteribbon.org.au
