Choking for a Lifetime

Over-hearing the familiar glare
Signalling the same struggle
Pre-destined to defeat to follow.
The rising voice, the shadow of a raised hand.
Divided by a wall,
My presence reclines to a shadow
Cowering under the blanket,
Fists clenched, trembling,
Twitching to sounds anticipated to be
The final hit.
The final scream
To be heard,
Silenced by her own tears.

Years later,
The scene replays in my head,
Choking on screams in nightmares for help
That failed to come out as my voice
Then and now.