nobody's perfect.

Nobody's perfect,
we all have our flaws.
Yeah but do we all bash our 
Wives with our words 
behind closed doors?

We all have issues to work through.
True.
But do we all relentlessly criticise
and patronise
in an attempt to subdue?
 
There are two sides to every story.
Surely, you don't expect they tell the truth?
When at home they spew hate,
berate
and attempt to isolate?
 
Nobody's perfect,
you need to try and get along.
Yes, I try and still get it wrong.
It's a ticking time bomb
until they weaponize silence
to force my compliance.
 
You should look at yourself before pointing the finger.
Ha! Trust me
their eyes and mine have only been on my failings.
All the things that I lack.
None of the value I add.
 
Maybe you misunderstood?
No, I understood
their intention to control, 
then gaslight and minimise
to get off the hook.
 
So, can I please have the opportunity
to give back responsibility
to the one who always tries to avoid accountability?
 
Yeah but nobody's perfect.
We all have our bad days.
Ok, but there's a pattern to the way she behaves.
 
It's not just days, but a collection
with intention.
To shame.
And blame.
The Eternal Victim.
 
They are wounded. They are hurting.
Don't be so judgemental.
Look, I have empathy.
But empathy shouldn't be used
so that their behaviour can be excused.
 
Yes, but hurt people hurt people.
That may be so.
But there are also hurt people
that love people
and choose to grow.
 
Well it takes two to tango.
Does it though?
So when he's threatening to throw
the laptop at my face
and spitting I'm a fucking disgrace
I somehow deserved that?
I don't think so.
 
Well you must have done something.
Yes, I'll tell you what I did.
I thought for myself. I used my voice.
I tried to please.
I often didn't succeed.
And sometimes I got mad, or 
frustrated and snapped, because
nobody's perfect.
 
Abuse is a pattern.
It isn't an alarm bell
welcome to the fires of hell, no
a quieter pattern.
A blink and you'll miss it.
 
Unless you're the one living it.
 
So listen.
Please, stop.
And listen.

By Emma Rose.