His fingers, tightening around my throat;

I felt those mark long after they were gone.

Fighting to keep my consciousness afloat,

No screaming as my labored breaths were drawn.

He tried to strip my soul out from my skin;

The scene of the crime I cannot escape.

He sent my psyche into a tailspin;

My body, my bed, comprise the landscape.

              You slipped your way into my aching heart;

              Your laughter in my ears tore me apart.