Untitled Rubbish

Untitled Rubbish
by Rasha Zaki

An angry fist.
A broken jaw.
Cracked ribs.
A screaming voice.
This is how you loved me.

An irate sneer.
A swollen eye.
A sprained wrist.
An ugly word.
This is how you loved me.

A knife at my throat.
A bloody nose.
An injured back.
A mean joke.
This is how you loved me.

An open road.
A prayer each morning.
A prayer each night.
A new job.
This is how I loved myself.

A college education.
A ray of hope.
An unbreakable faith.
An obtainable dream.
This is how I love myself.

A slumber party for the kids.
Video games 'til midnight.
A pillow fight.
A game of catch.
This is how I love myself.

A soft caress.
A moan of pleasure.
A catch in my breath.
A sweet nothing in my ear.
This is how he loves me.

A sincere compliment.
A blush on my face.
A giggle from my lips.
A dozen roses "just because".
This is how he loves me.

A smiling son.
An unburdened heart.
A contented soul.
A promise kept.
This is how he loves me.