I always write about the aftermath
Nightmares
shame
trauma
I never write about the heat of his breath
his hands in my hair.
I speak of women’s rights
Body autonomy
Feminism
But never of the fist around my throat
blood on my thighs
zip tie on my wrists
I tell girls that they’re strong
Destroy the patriarchy
Men are trash
But I’m silent like the tape is still over my mouth