Abuse

Photo from Pixabay

More and more as women tell me their stories

I’ve come to believe that abuse is much more the norm than the exception

Varying degrees

Different reactions

Lingering pain

I’ll strive to listen better

For many of these stories aren’t being told

One wondered if I now viewed her differently?

Another relived all the pain in the telling

Many try so hard to forget

I think I’ll listen better

Try to understand

Offer unconditional support

I’ll save my questions

She’ll tell what she desires

When she desires

If she desires

I’ll be grateful for any revelation

Knowing there was a cost

Hopefully, wise enough to realize

It’s not about me