The Day I Lost Your Dog Tags

When abusive relationships end

I never did like the way you looked in your
cammies after a long day of training. One time, 
(even though you made me promise not to) I tried the heavy uniform on for myself,
and it fell right off of me. I hated rotting at Camp Lejeune.
I never let you read any of my writing because every line I wrote was about me leaving you.

When I have the energy to remember you 
I don’t picture your strong arms, or your ju jitsu victories,
or the fourteen confirmed headshots that replay in your eyes.
But rather how the first bruise you gave me was shaped like a butterfly. 
I made sure to take a picture, proud that somehow even your abuse was beautiful.
I didn’t have any change at the wishing well so I dropped your dog tags in and looked up,
And prayed with all my might that you might end up where you deserve to. 

Reviews

[James]

Interesting how abuse works and how the abused chooses to deal with it.
Incidentally, I know Camp Lejeune very well, I'm not a Marine (Army, a long time ago), I spend a lot of time Jacksonville.

[W.k.kortas]

There is an enviable control here, a knack for language and imagery, which keeps this piece on the tracks and prevents it from becoming an angry and artless rant. Impressive work.