Abusive Relationship

When a woman’s husband hits her, 

People tell her to leave him. 

We question her sanity behind her back 

When she continues to stay. 

You can move in with me, they offer. 

She smiles weakly and thanks them for their kindness

She spends several nights on their sofa, 

When he gets too strong for her. 

Sometimes she says she will leave him. 

Sips her coffee and clips up her hair, 

At the breakfast table

Saying words like starting over and new beginning. 

But always always she returns

Not because she loves him, perhaps

But because she needs him 

Not because she needs, perhaps

But because she thinks she does.

And after all, how can you leave someone 

Who is not a real person.

How can you kick them out

When they only live inside your mind.

And the abuse she faces every day

Comes only from within

And her bruises are not visible

So no one ever tells her to leave him.