I have been where you are

In my own flavour of hell

I have cried myself to sleep hoping tomorrow would be different with the knowledge that it wouldn’t be

I have prayed for quiet moments
For the freedom to use the bathroom in peace

I have been where you are

I have watched my child attack his brother

I have watched him destroy property

I have permanent marks on my body from where he kicked me with his shoes on

I have been where you are

I have said yes when every cell in my body has screamed no but I couldn’t face the fallout from saying no

I have been where you are

I have called my child names that I wouldn’t be willing to include in this poem

I have been where you are