Beside The Lake. Poem by Sandra Kavanagh Josefsson

Beside the lake where we once lived,
I remember those days so well.
I often look back on that time
And wonder if I was under your spell.
To the outside world you were full of cheer.
They did not know what lay beneath.
What I hade to face everyday was your contempt and conceit.
The bruises I could cover up with make up,
And pretend that everything was okay.
I tried often to plan my escape,
But you would always find me and make me stay.

Everyday was a nightmare,
worrying when you'd come home.
Would you be in a bad mood
and hit me some.
I could not talk to anyone.
They would not believe
that the man who was always smiling,
Was able easily to deceive.
When backs were turned
he became a monster
A cold hearted crook.
My life with him was painful.
What energy it took.

But finally one day I was able to escape,
And run away to a new life.
I remember those days beside the lake
But now I am not your wife.

Verse: Sandra Kavanagh (c) .