What an "x" is good for (sonnet)

To him it's still a game of cat and mouse,
He wonders what will work to bait the hook.
Well I won't let him back into my house,
Not even for one tiny, little look.
My days of feeling hurt are so long gone,
The childish things he says don't bother me.
There're actually some mem'ries that are fond,
I don't hate him; just wish he'd leave me be.
I have another man who treats me right,
Respects me for the woman that I am,
Who doesn't live to name call, scream, or fight,
Knows how to be a perfect gentleman.
There's only one thing an "x" is good for --
Spelling the word that helps you find the door.

We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (sonnet)

I heard the anger coming through the phone,
I saw the tears start welling in her eyes.
For once she wasn't facing him alone,
With wisdom past her years, she was so wise.
"I have nothing to say to you," then click,
And that was that, she'd simply had enough.
And with some attitude, no less, and lip,
She'd put him in his place for saying "stuff."
I've wondered if my kids could face the world,
With all the garbage that he's put us through.
I proudly thought, "my gosh, now that's my girl."
And in that moment, somehow I just knew:
We've heard his lines too many times before,
And we're not gonna take it anymore!