I hide

                I hide my bruises

   like they are evidence of a crime I just commited

                 I hide my pain       

                                       with the lies and a smile I have been perfecting  

        for the past two years.

                 I hide myself

        from my family for fear they might find out

                                    I hide from the only person who  said they loved me 

   so I don't give him a reason to strike me again.

                 I hide from myself

                                 afraid that I will not be strong enough the next time he hits me.

                I hide just to feel safe.