As Years Go By

Thirteen years
Since the tears flowed freely
Since the blood on the sheets
Since my rapist’s remorseless grin
Since I was taught
No one is safe
Not even a four year old boy watching Scooby-Doo

Eight years
Since the tears stopped coming
Since she was too scared to protect me
Since he would show no mercy
Since I was taught
Never to cry
Unless I wanted it to get worse

Four years
Since the blood and razors in the sink
Since the needles and scorched spoons
Since watching her dying and wondering if I should let it happen
Since I was taught
That when the rain falls
It falls on the innocent and the wicked alike