Now I know why the caged bird sings
It sings for the freedom once felt
It cries out in pain
Shackled and held down to the ground of the cage
It all started with a smile,
A handshake,
A hug,
A dinner date
And gradually you took my life away
I saw the signs
But I took no cognizance of it
You are capable of no wrong
My independence,
My job I gave up for you
Then my friends followed
A slap
But it was just a mistake
Then they came rolling in like claps of thunder
Oh they are just reflex actions that come to play when you are angry
My skin bears the map of your love
You break me with each slap
Each punch
I lay down there watching the life and fight seep out of me
With each thrust
Each grunt
And each moan you make as you violate me every night
I beg to leave
But no, you can’t live without me
I’m a possession of yours
There’s no one to talk to
Nowhere to go
I’m alone in this world
I live each day hoping it will be my last
I so know why the caged bird sings

https://ogadepoju..com.ng/2017/12/domestic-violence-adeniji-adenike.html?m=1