sunsets

Outside, the sky is pink

Like exposed skin

From when your arm rubs against a wall

As you are pushed against another

It will turn orange soon

Like the anger that spits and crackles inside

That heart that once couldn't contain its love for you

And then darkness

A blue that is almost black

The moon will be bright

A scattering of starts

This is what you see when you close your eyes

Against the violence

When the pain is too much

And you can't cry out

Today, the evening sky is a reminder

Of the day you got that black eye

The bruise on your leg

The day he first hurt you

Starting with words and then a slap

A punch and then a kick

And then two and three and more and more

But yesterday, the evening sky reminded you

Of roses and lilies and daisies and iris

Baby's breath and jasmine

Hibiscus and anthurium

Sunflowers and dandelions

That first bouquet he brought home

Lies hidden beneath those soft petals