Black and Blue

She lays in the hospital bed.
Her face bruised.
Her spirit broken.

He said he loved her.
He said it wouldn't happen again.
He said it was over.

It was late.
He came home drunk.
Dinner would have to wait.

He staggers,
speech slurred,
mind clouded.

He's ready to fight.
She's terrified.
She wants to turn in for the night.

He swings.
It connects.
She falls.

His blows fall like rain.
There is no love.
There is only pain.

He goes too far.
He panics, realizes what he's done.
He goes for the car.

The doctors are shocked.
Her arm,
black, bruised and oddly cocked.

He tells the story,
of a fall down the stairs.
All she can do is agree
and pray, and hope someone is there.