Him Next Door
One woman a week dies in Australia at the hands of an intimate partner. This piece is written in recognition of the domestic violence which is so common but mainly hidden, in our community. I almost called it "The Iceberg" to highlight the fact that only the tip of the iceberg is visible while the majority of it is below the surface - a bit like domestic violence.
Look what you made me do!I told you before we marriedI’ve got a quick temper.You knew what you were getting into !I warned you never to make me angry!Now look what you've done! With your nagging,Your constant whiningWanting me to fix this, buy that,Pay the overdue bills.Well I said I would, and I will!When I get time!But I’m busy! You know I am!I work bloody hard, you know that! Yes! I have a beer or two, so what?At least I’m not a pisspotLike your old man!Yeah, I do the pokies a bitBut can’t a man have some relaxation?I deserve some time out! You don’t have to go to workYou're only at home with the kidsWhat do you do all day?The house is a pigstyAnd my dinner’s never readyWhen I get home!Bloody kids are always cryingA man needs a bit of peace and quietAfter a hard day’s work.Don’t tell me you're tiredI’ll show you tired! And where’s the housekeeping moneyI gave you last week?If you can’t even manage thatYou’ll have to give me listOf what you spend it on.Money doesn’t grow on trees you know.I’m not your personal ATM.Learn to manage my money better. Aaagh! Stop crying!It was only a little clip over the earIt couldn’t have hurt that much!You made me do it!Because you won’t shut up!I know I said “For better or worse”,But a man’s gotta draw the line somewhere! Where am I going now?Down the pub!I need some space!Have those kids in bedAnd this place cleaned upBy the time I get home!Yes! You know I love you!I’m still here aren’t I? © Sadiechild 2020