Manifest Poetry at Paper Poetry

Domestic Abuse Manifests in Her Red Trigger Finger

It’s her weapon of choice

image generated by author in collaboration with Bing Image Creator — source

a long index finger
vermillion painted nail
spears the space between them
once, twice, over again

the high gloss tipped finger
levelled straight at his heart
it’s her weapon of choice
that will drive them apart

each stab of her finger
bears foul words from her mouth
untruths and illogic
red flags flapping unhinged

she vents pent-up anger
demands that he listens
while his eyes never leave
her sharp trigger finger

she’s the victim, she says
of domestic abuse,
finger-jabs, blames her ex
for their loveless love nest

“He made me be silent
for 29 sh*t years.
Now I’m free. This is me.”
finger-pistols the air