I.
There's a lot of bruises
on my hands.

II.
I'm very sorry.
I know he isn't proud of me
for those.

III.
They always say
"It's just a cry for help",
and if it's only that,
shouldn't the cry be heeded?

IV.
If I need help desperately enough
to slam my bare hands into
porcelain tiles
maybe someone ought to listen.