Let’s Dance

By Imou Eparis

Of beatings and bruises
Of punches and abuses
Their love is. Was.

She denied the punches
Ignored the bruises
This was the only way he knew how to love

He stumbled and fell on her
This was his love language
This was their dance,
Can’t you see that?

Each time he threw her against the wall
Was his way of saying,
I want you more
I want to dance to the sound of your cracking ribs
She believed he wasn’t a bad man
Knew in her heart that she could change him

Each night  he would say let’s dance
And they danced.
She danced and danced
and danced and danced
Till the music stopped.