Locked In A Walk-in Robe

By Aarron Mondello

22/12/2017

You kept me locked in a walk-in robe
For a year, maybe more
While you lived in a prison of your own
Shamed and chained to the lounge room floor

The bolt on the inside was silent
If I was quick and quiet enough
With a soft little SNICK I’d slide it home
When the nights got, as you said, rough

Many nights I spent in there
Alone amongst the shoes
With dresses hanging above my head
Dresses that smelled of you

I’d cry myself to sleep most nights
Cradled by the dark
Then I’d sneak out like a mouse
The next morning to find you marked

I heard all of your excuses
All the lies that you told
I recognized them for what they were
Though I was just six years old

In the evening we’d hear the car
Coming down the road
I’d beg you to lock yourself
With me in the walk-in robe

Your eyes would fill with fear
As the storm blew down our door
And off I’d sneak, I felt weak
As I hid in the dark once more

I’d cringe when I heard the slaps
Bite my knuckles to keep silent
But there was nothing I could do
To save you from the violence

Sometimes I wasn’t quick enough
Those nights I’d feel the pain
And I’d also feel it was my own fault
That I was dragged into this game

I keep myself locked in a walk-in robe
Though the storm long since blew away
Many years I’ve lived in here
I’ll unlock the door some day

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Published by Aarron Mondello