she sat on the bed
waiting for him
she knew was what going on
she pretended not to notice
and he bought it
like he bought the condoms at rhe store at 5th street
and she knew what was happening
so why hadnt she brought it up
her gentle fingertips
brushed against the bruise along her eye
and she wanted to cry
but crying would make you weak
and being weak was not acceptable
in this household
she feared his fist
but she had metal
stronger than even him
her fingers carressed the trigger
like a mother carresses her child
but now it was three am
and she was ready to confront him
he opened the door and said hello
and she said hello
and she nodded
grabbing the metal holsted to her side
but she smelled the perfume of Ms. Smith on him
and she paused
so she smiled and said hello again
and he nodded and kissed her
with the same lips that had kissed Ms. Smith
and she painted a smile on her face
because as he had said
a woman should stay quiet and still
and serve her man
but she knew
the world expected more from her
and her hands moved away from the gun
because this wasnt the end
God wanted her to have
