Perseverance

Another dysfunctional man,

My mother had;

He learned to lend a hand,

When he was mad .

Paid the price for it,

So my little brothers wouldn’t have to;

Long nights I would sit ,

So that they’d pull through.

Bruise after bruise I thought it would never end ,

And it did with him ;

Then it became a trend,

With my taste in men.

You were supposed to save me from the reminiscing

Of being abused ;

But then you too started hitting,

You left me beaten and confused .

I thought I deserved it ,

That you would love me ;

If I let you be a hypocrite,

You’d set me free.

You told me you wouldn’t do it anymore,

To manipulate me every time;

Just to call me a whore,

For a reason to commit crimes.

I’m going to get it back ,

My self esteem ;

And with no payback ,

I set myself free ,

And I’m proud of me .