Why did you Make me Hit You? by Di Coffey

How many women
are cowering today
fearful for their kids,
fearful for their lives?

Daily punch-bags
for their men;
their yellowing bruises
dismissed as ‘accidents’.

Women so damaged
they think it’s their fault,
believe viper-words,
protect reputations.

And men in suits
and overalls and thawbs
still ask,
Why did you make me hit you?

But not all men,
not my man.
And for that
I am thankful.