I had to write something about love for this months challenge, so apologies for posting more than one poem per week, but it’s ❤️

A hollow victory.

I put the phone down, not feeling anything, my sister has just told me that you’re dead.

I’m 64 years old, you died alone, at 85, your body ravaged by years of abuse.

The woman that gave me life, but no love,

I was surprised how I felt absolutely nothing .

I had a flashback.

We were standing in the kitchen, you were screaming at me because I hadn’t finished washing up. You slapped me hard on the left cheek.,

I was determined not to react, I was 14 years old and I’d had enough.

You were puzzled when I just stood there, you’re eyes were glazed, and your lips held onto an ugly snarl,

“ did that hurt” you said, I said nothing, “because this will” you said and you slapped me again.

I remained still and unmoved, the scent of vodka on your breath, stung my nostrils.

A look of confusion crossed your face and you raised your hand again,

I braced myself, but you started to cry and lowered your hand.

It was the first time I could remember you ever showing any remorse,

or was it remorse.?

Maybe it was guilt, I don’t know .

“Go to your room”, you screamed,

I walked into the hallway, the sound of your sobbing in my ears.

I put on my coat and walked out of the house.

You screamed some obscenity at me,

but I kept walking because i knew, …..

I knew, that you knew , that you weren’t fit to be a mother.

I had won…..it was a hollow victory.

Mark Crump ©️

Sorry for sneaking this one in as well…❤️❤️

This is Based on a true story, that actually happened to my sister in the late 1970s, none of the family knew anything about it at the time, but it’s okay she got out before there was any problem and she’s fine now

I’ll do everything for you

I would lie for you, I would cry for you,

I’d even wear a suit and tie for you,

I’d try for you, I would die for you,

I’d bake a great big pie for you

Because I want to be with you,

all I want to see is you ,

I’d like to share a nice pot of tea with you..

I’d give you the finest wines,

show you the best of times,

have your name tattooed on my neck just to prove that you’re mine.

I want to stay with you, I want to play with you,

Want to spend every hour of the day with you,

I’ll make you feel alright,

be with you day and night,

I never want to let you out of my sight.

Because I care for you, I’ll be there for you,

I could choose what clothes you should wear for you,

then you wouldn’t have to worry about the latest trends,

and we don’t need to go out and see all your friends,

Because you and me babe, we could just chill at home,

just you and me darling, all on our own,

cause I’ve got you, and you’ve got me ,

we don’t need anyone else, you wait and see,

what’s that babe? you can’t find your keys.

Well they’re bound to turn up somewhere, that’s for sure,

anyway, I don’t think you’ll need your car anymore,

why?….because I can take you anywhere you need to go,

what’s that babe you can’t find your phone?

Well I’m sure you’ll find it, it’s probably with your keys,

In the meantime, I’ll do everything just leave it to me,

You won’t have to go out to the shops anymore,

Ocado can deliver it straight to the door.

Now I won’t be long I’ve just got to pop out,

I’m not locking you in babe ……

I’m keeping any strangers out,

I’m protecting you, doing you a favour,

and don’t get talking to the next door neighbour.

He’s not to be trusted, he’s a little bit weird ,

thinks he’s jack the lad with his goatee beard,

ignore anyone who comes to the door as well,

I’ll talk to them remotely, via camera door bell.

you could do a bit of housework till I get back,

there’s food in the fridge if you fancy a snack,

after you’ve done that, you could iron my shirt,

maybe freshen yourself up a bit, a little make up wouldn’t hurt.

by the way love, I don’t think you should wear that blouse today,

and who was it you were you going to phone up anyway?….

we can talk about that later on,

now be a good girl while I’m gone.

You’ll soon get into a routine, you wait and see,

We don’t need anyone else babe, from now on, it’s just you and me!

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this poem, then please, tell someone, tell anyone and get the hell out of there as quick as you can , run for the hills, he’s a nut job control freak !!!..run away, run away!!!

Mark Crump june25©️