after the fiery fists and frenzied blows and the moment my elbow connected with her perfect nose there was no turning back
and even with the crack of her teeth and when she finally tasted the gritty sweetness of her own blood I still didn't care I just wrapped my fingers around her hair and pulled her closer
what else was I supposed to do? when this was all I knew? when this was all I was taught? maybe YOUR parents never fought- but mine battled almost every night and my own Mama never had the strength to fight back
so this black eye right here? and that bruise to her right thigh?
was because she asked for it so I gave it to her
and even as we were being summoned to take the stage we battled behind the hazy curtain of nightfall
and even when- instead of greeting her adoring fans, I introduced her face to my right hand and the streetlamps became the glittery stage lights the telephone poles posing as the silent audience
and she asked for it so I gave it to her
and I know that all I have to do now is smile pretty sit still in my pressed white Oxford shirt, and all she has to do is pretend it doesn’t hurt each and every time she smiles
and even if she conjures up the courage to leave me I will still own the rights to every breath she takes I have tattooed my name with my fists onto her brain her periodic headaches will always make her reminisce about our first kiss
our first holding of hands
the first time she molded her slim body to mine on command the first accidental bruise the first smashing of birthday cake and the beautiful piercings only teeth- to- face can make
I should be entitled to at least ONE mistake? (right?)
but she asked for it so I gave it to her
and I even long after her, I will still have my pick of the masses shakin’ their silicone assets, waiting for their big chance to sizzle and burn under my grammy-bright limelight
and you best believe they'll be more than happy to let me have my way with them
and I'll belt out a #1 hit and they'll ask for it again
and if you know me like I know me I'm gonna give it to them...
but only if they ask for it….
And they will.
I wrote this poem after singer Chris Brown was arrested for assaulting then-girlfriend Rhianna back in 2009.