Just one tear-stained cheek

Afterall
It is just one tear-stained cheek
Black mascara running over a swollen lip
And onto the bruise, angry and throbbing
Like his face, when he hit me

And why should it be different
When I can’t love him enough
Can’t give him enough
Can only think of my wants
Of my needs

How much can I need?
I could get him to stop
If I could stop giving him cause
I am always giving him cause

I have earned much worse
Than tears and a bruise I can cover
A swelling which will subside overnight
It is just a tear-stained cheek

Just one among many