Back on My Feet (sonnet)

BAM! Up against the wall, you slammed my head.
I often prayed that they were just bad dreams.
You just walked away as though I were dead,
Leaving my soul ripped apart at the seams.
You thought you always had the upper hand,
That I would obey you, no matter what.
But there's one thing you didn't understand --
I'm a fighter, and I never give up!
Each time you took something away from me,
I found a way to simply make it through,
And dreamed of the day I'd fin'lly be free.
I never did believe your words were true.
Success is a revenge, so very sweet.
You knocked me down, but I'm back on my feet.

Who's Your Bitch NOW? (sonnet)

You took my soul from me a million times.
You said I'd be a fool to try to leave.
After years of you messing with my mind,
There was some of it I almost believed.
You called me a slut and a worthless whore,
A cunt, a bitch, and a few that were worse.
You raped me til I couldn't take much more,
And then would laugh in my face and just curse.
You said I was stupid, ugly, and fat.
You gave me no mercy when I cried out.
I learned to be silent through all of that,
For if I complained, it was worse, no doubt.
And yet I did survive . . . someway, somehow --
One thing I have to ask, "Who's your bitch NOW?"

I Cut the Darn Strings (sonnet)

"Right arm up, left arm down, and now you dance."
With strings, you held me like a marionette.
Controlled by you, I never had a chance.
What you gave me was all that I could get.
I was your puppet, and you my master,
You chose the music, and you chose the speed.
If I got tired, you made me go faster,
Anything to meet your ev'ry lil need.
Now I've found my strength, I cut the darn strings,
And I dance to the tune in my own heart.
I've found the joy that only freedom brings,
Even though you almost tore me apart.
I may not be too nimble or graceful,
But I'm strong to the end and I'm faithful.