trying to salvage my spirit
looking at photos of people I once knew
stumbled upon a photo of my ex and his friend
who was my friend also
time had done its work with their faces
as it has with all of us
all i could see was the night i was beaten
and running toward this friend’s house
to find some sanctuary – to find some meaning
in this unpredictable trauma
upon me
huddling battered and bruised with my son on his doorstep
ringing the bell
he came to the door
shocked, he took a step back
“i can’t be involved in this.” and he shut the door
he wouldn’t let us in. he refused us safety
to remain friends with a man who attacked me
then the door opened
his girlfriend came out and took us to her place
gave us comfort, medical attention and safety
i left the next day – never to return.
i made the right decision. i found my spirit then.
i can find it now. i am a survivor.