Wretched
Jonathan Valania*This poem contains references to emotional, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as religious trauma and mental illness. Reader discretion is advised. It may be triggering for survivors of domestic violence. Please prioritize your well-being while engaging with this piece.
You screamed self-defense—
then struck again.
“You’re a terrible father.”
“I’ll abort him. You don’t deserve us.”
Your love wore a mask:
well-polished,
church-approved.
But behind closed doors—
fists,
threats,
other men.
Not sick.
Just cruel
in a godly disguise.
You never spoke of commandments.
Keeping one
would’ve meant
telling the truth.
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