Its Just a Dream

I'm hiding under the bed
The puppy's there with me
I look at him
He looks at me
Both visibly shaken

He grabs me
I scream
The belt lashes against my skin
Blood sprays the nearby wall
He tears my dress
Whips my exposed back
Last thing I hear before blacking out
Is my puppy's heartbreaking yelp . . . .

I wake up with a start
It's just a dream
I have no puppy
No abusive father
Back's stinging . .
I go to the bathroom, lift my shirt
Red lines surface on my back
Running to my room, I open my closet
Bones of a puppy stare back at me . . . . .