age seven

[don't hurt me again] "why are you doing that?"

handful of assorted pills

stained nightgown, innocence ruined

"it's okay, munchkin. i do it because i love you"

age thirteen

"why do you accept this?"

hands grabbing roughly without consent

pocket knife stained with crimson

[so he won't leave] "because i love him"

age seventeen

"why do you stay with me?"

her voice lulling me to sleep

soft words comforting broken sobs

[you saved my life] "it's because i love you, daffodil"