Expressions by: Al Nash, Oil on canvas, 2013.
Fire
by: Celina Smythe
Fire.
People don’t come running
If you call for
“Help”,
But people always rush
When you scream
“Fire”.
Kick.
Kick
And kick
And
Kick!
Thrash your hips
From side to side.
It will be harder
For him to undress
You.
Claw his face.
Punch his cheek.
Bash your knuckles against
His throat.
Keep shouting.
No!
Don’t let him guilt you,
Like usual.
Your body is not his.
When all else fails,
Remind him that your
Younger brother is downstairs
And that if you call for Scott,
He will call the police.
And Please
For the love of everything,
Once you are
Safe from him,
Break up with the bastard.