Communication

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Stop Right There

Tenderly, he touched the bruise on her cheek
And began to apologize
“Forgive me darling”, he begged
Tears flowing from his eyes

He continued to beg her
And then once again began to explain
That it was because of what she’d done
Her actions were what to blame

Stop right there-don’t listen to those lies
No one has the right to use abuse
Don’t allow him to use you for an alibi
The fault does not belong with you

She hung her head in shame
For she knew that the blame was hers
If only she didn’t make him angry
These outbursts would not occur

“I’m sorry I made you so angry that you hit me”
She whispered through her tears
She knew she’d done something wrong
Somehow the fault must be hers

Stop right there-please hear my plea
He’s the one responsible for his actions
You are the victim –not the defendant
You’re not responsible for his violence

She’d had enough of the abuse
It only grown worse through the years
She spent her day and nights
Living in a world of nightmares

At first he tried to persuade her
Begging her to stay
Then ranted and raved as she packed her bags
Threatening her if she left and went away

Stop right there-don’t give in to him
Don’t allow his words to get through
Run-escape while you still can
Do what ever you must do

She made her escape
And started a life without him
But he started coming around
Begging for another chance again

He promised her that he’d get help
If she would come back home
But he needed her there
He couldn’t do it alone

Stop right there-don’t go back
Don’t believe the lies he’s telling you
Don’t risk your life another time
There’s no telling what he may do

She cried for him at times
Her love still remained strong
She couldn’t figure out
Just what happened-what went wrong

Her resolve and strength began to crumble
She wanted to believe the words he cried
One day she gave in and went back to him
And at his hands, she died

Stop right there-don’t turn away
Domestic violence has a cost
We all must help it to be stopped
Before another life is lost


Kathleen Ann Shelton

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