Weak Woman

feeling weak and vulnerable

You yell and then I yell too.
I don't respond well.

My instant reaction is to cover my ears,
close my eyes, make you dissolve
like an apparition fading just beyond sight.

I won't cover my ears --
that would be weakness on my part.
Can't be weak, weak woman.

I won't close my eyes either.
Your face is red and contorted.
And I begin to count,
starting 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ...
you're done.
The flash is over and
you flash your smile.
All better?
Don't be weak, weak woman.

So it's over for you and we are square.
What? No! We aren't square and
it doesn't look like we will be today.
Or tomorrow. Or whenever.
Stop being weak, weak woman.

Coming undone, I yell again.
But you don't get it ...
Back to the recliner, feet up,
TV show is starting.
"Want some popcorn?"

What is it that makes you strike and recoil
with few seconds in between;
whatever it is, I've come undone.
I'm undone.

Stop being weak, weak woman.

You're NOT weak, woman.

Reviews

[Joe Heath]

This really grasped me,
Your poem makes me feel as if I am right there and I can relate :)

[stargirljenn]

Thank you, Joe, for your kind review! My intent always when writing is to take the reader on a ride. I am glad you could relate.