Once again I write
having not heeded
my own words of warning.
Falling prey to a user,
another abuser.

He fits the profile
so perfectly
gentle, kind and caring.
Ensnaring your heart,
trapped tightly.

Controlly so subtly
shrouded in guises
of love and tenderness.
Till every vestiage of self
falls victim.

Soon everything 
you and say
brings recrimination.
Many vile accusations
agaisnt you..

I am free again
stronger this time.
I did not beg to stay
under his domination
and sway.

Another lesson learned
burned deep upon my heart.
One that I hope to 
teach to my many 
sisters in submission.

~~~~~~~~~
This poem was written when I realized some I trusted with my
 life and submission had abused that trust and
 had actually abused many others under the mask of D/s and BDSM.

In actuality, there is a fine line between abuse and the D/s 
lifestyle, and a person has to be aware. That is where this poem comes in,
 I am hoping it will maybe make a person stop and
 think about what they are doing
 and what their partner is doing.

I have been very lucky in finding a group of support
 through the local Woman's Center in Houston,
 and in private therapy.  Both of these arena's have awakened me
 to what was happening and made me aware of the warning signs of an abuser.
  I have included a copy of the warning list
 that they gave me to keep my eyes open for.

One more word of thanks, the support group in Cocoa Beach, Fl.,
 at the Salvation Army, the understanding Cathy, the facillatator,
 had about this lifestyle choice was wonderful.

A soft prayer whispered to God and Jesus for blessings on these wonderful people.

~~~~~~~~~~

WARNING SIGNS OF AN ABUSER

EXCESSIVE JEALOUSY

POSSESSIVE

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION OF SELF AND OTHERS

ANGER IS A TYPICAL RESPONSE WHEN LIMITS ARE SET

DOESN'T WANT VICTIM TO GO OUT WITH FRIENDS

CALLS ON THE PHONE ALL THE TIME

SEPERATES YOU FROM FAMILY

DICTATES WHAT CAN AND CAN'T BE WORN

BLAMES OTHERS FOR PROBLEMS

SUDDEN MOOD SWINGS

THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR SUICIDE

ANIMAL CRUELTY

QUICK INVOLVEMENT

DR. JECKLE - MR. HYDE PERSONALITY

RIGID SEX ROLES

HYPERSENSITIVITY

VERBAL ABUSE

HISTORY OF PAST BATTERING

BREAKS OBJECTS

USE OF FORCE DURING AN ARGUMENT

PLAYFUL/SERIOUS USE OF FORCE DURING SEX