A Leopard Doesn’t Change its Spots (Domestic Violence)

I am sorry I’ve hurt you he tells me again
When we get married I know things will change,
It’s through wedding nerves I’m feeling like this
On her bruised cheek he plants a soft kiss.

Married with kids, 8 years down the line
We sit quiet and nervous the clock says it’s time,
The sound we all hate the key in the door
Home from work in a mood, my face is still sore.

With some light conversation I try to bring cheer
As I put out his dinner doesn’t listen or hear
What’s this shit that you’ve cooked! As the plate hits the wall
Kids go to your rooms; they run out as I call.

The violence then starts and his voice starts to roar
As he lands his first strike straight to my jaw
The room turns to black for a second or so
Then as I get up, another hard blow.

With no strength to fight back he stands twice my size
The bully then punches my already blacked eyes
The kids are all crying and begging to stop
As my knees give way it’s to the floor that I drop.

Then while I’m down he gives one massive kick
A crack from my ribs I start to feel sick
He storms out of the house and slams the door shut
Leaving for me, the mess to clean up.

The kids help me stand and I say I’m okay
They help clean the mess ‘till it happens again
I go to the bathroom to wipe the blood from my face
As it drips in the water I look a disgrace.

It’s twelve years ago now and the kids are grown up
When the night described happened enough was enough
He returned home that night to find us all gone
The battle was over, a feeling I’d won.

So to reach a conclusion, empty promise’s told
Too many times a dream to behold
For the damage he caused I hope that he rots
And just like the saying,
A Leopard doesn’t change its spots.