Life Sentence

by Melissa Burton

Marriage, a commitment eternal

Abuse, the end to commitment.

In sickness and in health,

'til death do us part.

Only six months after joining our love,

did I finally see the lies.

First, a mere slap.

To follow, a new dress,

and dinner to apologize.

You said you never meant it,

"You know babe, I'm not a good talker."

So you set to rage instead.

Next, a punch in the stomach,

for not having your meal on the table.

To follow, a shiny, new, red car,

and my miscarried baby girl.

In sickness and in health,

'til death do us part.

Only six months after joining our love,

did I finally see the lies.

Eventually, the slaps, verbal assaults,

and bruises all underwent a change.

They became the weekly visits to the hospital,

and lies, protecting your name.

The pain, it all means nothing now.

I am dumb with disgust....

All of your apologies,

nothing verbal, nothing true,

have all slipped away, revealing the real you.

In sickness and in health,

'til death do us part.

Only six months after joining our love,

did I finally see the lies.

The bruises and the fingerprints,

they eventually fade away.

Much like my love for you that turned,

into pure and bitter hate.

A blizzard of pain I suffered,

ended with one short bang.

Just to end this rotten life,

that started a year ago today.

In sickness and in health,

'til death do us part.

Only six months after joining our love,

did I finally see the lies.

You may ask if I fear prison.

I can only ask you this,

have you ever had to fear a man,

who could kill you if he wished?

I slept with him,

I trusted him,

I loved him, almost to the end.

Just to have him destroy me,

taking away all that I am.