Love? Poem by Michelle O'Connor

The last curl in place
her hand shakes
she looks up at the reflecation
the girl in the mirror looks like hell
the cover-up make up doesnt cover the bruise
nor does the hair infront of her eye
shadowing the swollen eye

she looks away from the mirror
and begins putting on her long gown
she moans softly in pain as she puts the dress on
the bruises on her ribs are black and blue

he walks in and gently tugs the rest of the dress down
his eyes fill with tears as he sees the damage
he knew he shouldnt have gotten drunk
he watches as she shrinks away from his touch

she struggles against the urge to move away
she glances down at her wedding ring
she remembers the vows and sighs
she gently grasp his arm and smiles weakly

he knows false smile
he wishes he could take her pain away
he gently wraps his arm around her waist
but it doesnt stop the cry of pain that escapes her lips