I had a horrible dream last night 
It took me back through the years 
Back when I lived in steady terror
Of heartaches and constant tears

Back when I thought I was nothing 
When no self respect was there 
Back when I believed in nothing 
Except that life was not fair 

I remembered the screams of pain 
That at anytime could quickly come 
From fists or feet striking out at me 
Whenever my husband was home 

I was taken back to another time 
When my life was so incomplete
When I felt I had no self worth 
And his demands I didn't meet 

A word said out of line at times 
Or a chore that was not done 
Could bring on a rage like lightening
Flashing  from behind the setting sun 

High collared sweaters hid the marks
Of bruises on my bare skin 
But the only one that I did fool
Was the scared woman within 

I didn't fool my little children 
Or my family or my close friends 
Because they knew once abuse begins 
It's a circle that never ends

You go along day by day 
Hoping tomorrow will get better
But you only fool the one within 
The one hiding in the sweater 

copyright Patsy Sleeman  9/ 5/99