in a stark room
he sat familiar
reassured
across the table
smiling with condescension
he clasped my arms
above my wrists
as he spoke
welcome back
I’m glad you’re back
I knew you would return
his smile tightened
his grip tightened
I could not move
I could not speak
in the silence I could hear
the key turning in the lock
(October 9, 2013)
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