I lay there curled in a circle
Protecting myself, offering comfort
Tears dried and salty on my face.
.
Fingers tense tentatively move
Towards my battered legs and buttocks
Checking for the damage inflicted.
.
In one of dad's rages - uncontrolled violence Acted out on a little child
Unable to defend herself.
.
Slowly, cautiously, looking for the proof
Of how a parent can hurt a child
And call it love.
.
Carefully, painfully testing the skin
Feeling the ridges made by a belt
On skin to young to know it's not her fault.