Jess Norris

 

Sometimes I want to whisper.

Or better yet,

I want to find the silence in your screams.

 

Why are you always yelling?

Why can’t I make you happy?

Why am I not enough?

Everything sets you off.

 

I tiptoe around,

afraid of becoming your prey.

 

You’re constantly enraged.

Looking for someone to hurt

 

the way that you do.

I’m tired of being your victim.

I’m tired of holding in my tears.

I’m tired.

 

If I hold my breath,

my voice,

I won’t bring you any pain,

and you can’t keep causing mine.