Shelter From The Storm
When I first met you, I was in shock.
Caught between a rock & a hard spot.
You looked like you’d been through the mill.
Like you’d subbed for horses & pulled the till.
Spent the last month under the lash.
You were down & out & about to crash.
How much abuse can one person take?
Were you put on an ant hill & tied to a stake?
You were beaten & kicked around a lot.
There is more dripping from your nose than snot.
You were ‘gun shy’ with good reason.
Some male did this to you without ceasing.
I have no idea how you ever got away.
I am sure he was enraged that day.
It couldn’t have been too long ago.
Your bruises have not yellowed so.
They are still black and blue.
I see the sadness & fear that radiates from you.
I am not here to hurt you in any way.
I detest the games he made you play.
He should be locked away for good.
I don’t care if he came from the hood.
Muslims don’t treat women this badly, it’s sad.
You’re alive,— for this,— you can be glad.
You have come to the right place.
This battered women’s shelter is safe.
We will protect you at all cost.
Get you settled so you won’t be lost.
Provide for you in every way.
Till you can move on from this horrible day.
All men are not the hurting kind.
Most would cherish you for all time.
They would make you feel loved.
Treat you with tender gloves.
Set you up on a pedestal tall.
Worship you like an angel on call.
Treat you like the very best.
Just trust, that day is coming yet.——————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)