power

i spend a lot on band-aids
for various scratches and bumps.
and i've lost count of how many times
i've fallen down the steps.

i wear long-sleeved shirts and jeans
but can't cover the marks on my face.
the thick makeup hides most of it,
but he still calls me an ugly whore.

a spot on my head hurts
that didn't hurt yesterday.
i wonder if i bumped it in the night
or if he hit me so hard i forgot.