you never wanted me to be me

you never wanted to truthfully see 

the scars you would leave

on my body covered head to toe in your bruises

you never wanted to hold me 

cradle my head in the palm of your hand 

a gesture because you love me

a simple expression because you trust me

can you taste the metallic flavoring in my lip when you kiss me goodnight?

blood rushes to the wound

after your five finger boulder crushes my bottom lip,

pushed against the wall, this love

prevented me from knowing if it was out of lust or aggression

because you love me you'd say and because i love you

i stay