What To Do 1933 Poem by Terry Collett

He grabbed your hair
pulled it
threatened
you again.

You recalled
the last time
he pushed a letter
in your face
and said
read it
read the damn letter.

But he pushed
you down
on the sofa
and held
the crumpled up letter
and said
what's it
going to be huh?
you want to go
with him
or stay with me?

This time
it was all over
him not
getting promotion
on his job
as if you
were to blame.

You never did
want me to get
that promotion
did you huh?
you want me
to remain
just a clerk
on the ground floor
don't want me
up there
with the pros
getting a real salary.

He grabbed
your arm
yanked you
off the sofa
dragged you
along behind him.

You tried to resist
but he was so strong
when he was angry
that you followed him
not trying any more
to hold back.

Once he had you
in the bedroom
he began
to undress you
like you
were some kid
then he ripped off
the clothes
the white blouse
the one you wore
to go places
the skirt he bought you
after last time's row
but he ripped it off.

You stood there
wide-eyed
staring at him
as he hit you
and the world
went white
then dim
and you didn't
know what to do
as he raped you.