The sound of your slap
Still hanging in the air
Go ahead, tell me again
Why I’m supposed to care
Your cigarette burning my skin
Telling me I’m fat
When I ought to be thin
Telling me I’m ugly
Telling me I’m old
Hit me again and
Punch me threefold
This time I’ll leave
I’ll be brave, I’ll be bold
Sorry you’ll say
Wont do it again
But your mouth it lies
another part of me dies
Bruises, I hide them
Cruel words, I deny them
Black, blue, purple, green
Colours of your love
That stay unseen

Watching you sleep
Chest rises and falls
Fingers twitch
Are you dreaming of me?
I know your face
Every inch, every nuance
I see it every day
But not when you sleep
I know your smile
Lopsided with a dimple
The way your eyes shine
The arch  of your brow
The angle of your jaw
The curve of your cheek
But not when you sleep
My eyes dip lower
The freckle on your throat
Bobs when you laugh
It’s twin on your neck
My lips know your skin
The taste, the feel
But not when you sleep
I see your hands
Hardworking hands
Rough, calloused, gentle
Reassuring me with a touch
A gesture, a sign
But not when you sleep
Do you feel me watching you?
Your hand moves - searching
You find me, pull me in
Arms, strong, safe, protecting
Even when you sleep