I Remember

I remember you.

I remember how eagerly you listened to my heart and my secrets.

I remember how you wiped my tears

And made sure no sorrow was left.

I remember you.

I remember how loudly you made me laugh with your wonderful wit.

I remember how you squeezed my hands

And told me never to surrender and quit.

I remember you.

I remember how tightly you hugged me in your arms.

I remember how you promised to protect me

And guard me carefully from harm.

I remember you.

I remember the shock that ran through my veins.

I remember how you beat and bloodied my brother, my friend,

And tried to give me the blame.

I remember you.

I remember how long your fingerprints remained on my skin.

I remember how you cursed and cried and shook me and smiled

And expected me to give in.

I remember you.

I remember the long nights spent listening to you beg to die.

I remember how you kissed and killed us

And refused to let us cry.

I remember you.

I remember the relief when you were gone.

I remember feeling like I could finally forgive myself

And slowly begin to move on.

I remember you.

I remember how my hands shook when you returned.

I remember catching you staring at me with your wandering eye

And wishing you would burn.

I remember you.

I remember your betrayal and your violence and my regrets.

I remember all your torment and abuse

And I wish I could forget.

I remember you.

I remember me and all your victims you dared to call friends.

I remember that time someone called you good

And I wished my life would end.

Then I wouldn’t remember anymore.