he thought i was his *****
because that is what he called me

he thought i was his property
because he branded me with his bruises

if i am covered in seminal filth
is that all that i am?

if all i've known is abusive language
is that all i will ever understand?

he thought i was his *****
he thought my body was a market stall

that he could rob daily
no medals for bravery

but one day i changed the score
i ran out the broken screen door

into a world that does not label me
by who i was before

this healing heart
will win this gender war