Daily Deaths in an Abused Marriage

Sudeshna writes about the daily deaths that a woman dies in an abused marriage. A powerful social commentary, exclusively for Different Truths.

I am counting,
counting the deaths 
that I have to die
 
The first was
when you first
raised your hand 
 
I know it will not be the last
your brute strength left 
indelible marks on my softness
 
A bit of crust frosted 
and settled 
at the edges of my heart
 
Every time you vent your inadequacies
your frustrations your impotent rage
The crust hardens and digs deeper
 
I don’t look at the mirror anymore
why should I look at the non-healing weals 
I hardly recognise myself
 
I fail to understand my own reactions
I cover the bruise I veil the cuts 
lest I become weak 
 
I nurse your wrongs 
I keep them alive
I have started enjoying our pantomime
 
Relishing in fact the pain inflicted
As I bide my time
when the day will dawn 
 
...and your strength will leave you
in my hands.

Visual by Different Truths