Step-Devil

A Slam Poem By:Destiny Duffy

You love me! How can you say that when you do this? You cover me in scars and bruises, you show no mercy. I'm only six.

You beg for my forgiveness. Saying no isn't even an option. I'm only six.

There are bruises on my back from belt buckles and bags under my eyes. I wear jeans and sweaters in the summer because nobody can know. I'm only eight.

The bad people would take my sisters according to you. Who would believe me anyway? I'm only eight.

I skipped school to go with my mother to the hospital. She broke her ankle running from you. I'm only nine.

I silently cry myself to sleep every night. If I make a noise you grab your belt. I'm only nine.

I'm at the hospital again, my mom is attached to IV's and wires. I don't understand. I'm only ten.

She's there because you hit her with your car. Who does that to the woman they love? I'm only ten.

You gave me PTSD and depression. I'm only 11.

You still haunt my nightmares. I'm only 12.

You're in prison for raping my sister. I'm 13.

I'm 16.

I'm 18.

I'm 20.

30.

40.

50.

You said you loved me. I called you dad. How can you hurt someone you love hurt this badly?  You make me sad, mad, anxious, depressed, stressed. I scream at night in fear even though you're nowhere near me. Don't you dare tell me that you love me after everything you've done!

You're gone and I'm still afraid of you. You've filled my life with so much hate. Just stay away, I don't love you. You broke my home, set my childhood on fire. Leave me alone, you don't love me. You're a liar.

Goodbye.