My Picture: Poster promoting women’s health. Hanoi, Vietnam

It was winter and wet,
our children gone.
Your anger fueled by grain
and family traditions.
Persuasions, to no avails and
my body a punching bag.
Beautiful diamonds,
no longer carry your traditions.

When the insects sleep
the wounds heal.
Silent knife, I hate you
for what you try to subjugate
and take for your own.

I am leaving now,
this can’t be living.

No longer receiving,
your pains and sorrows.
You broke my body, but not my mind.
The blows from you,
will hurt no more.