Triptych: Post Traumatic Relationship Syndrome

1. P.T.R.S

Pretend you're okay

Tell no-one the truth

Relinquish identity

Stay small and silent.

Plan your escape

Try a few hundred times

Resist in secret ways

Scared and compliant.

People will help

This pain will pass

Re-enter the world

Solid steps of resilience.

Prepare your allies

Talk about defence

Reorganise your energy

Stage your insurgence.

Prioritise your safety

Trust your intuition

Realise your worth

Survive domestic violence.

2.  Gaslit   

They fashion
Makeshift weapons
From your unsuspecting words

Whatever you dare to say 

Is used to beat you down 

As if you attacked yourself.

Silence is what saves you.

They think

No-one will believe you 

They ensure you’re isolated

Remove your safest places

Favourite people first

You imagine you’re alone

Then they attempt their worst.

They want 

Their actions to hurt

Emotional violators

Coercive control abuse

Is not a new method

to redefine your truth.

Compliance is what hides you.

3.  Edges

Edge of truth

Edge of tears

Edge of comfort

Edge of queer.

Two-edged sword

Two-way street

Two-toned souls

Two-fold relief.

Folded arms

Folded hearts

Folded stories

Folded cards.

Cards held close

Cards ignored 

Cards unplayed

Cards over-thought.

Over-exposed 

Overcome patterns

Overtly content 

Overdue joy.

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Footnote: Post Traumatic Relationship Syndrome can be defined as an anxiety disorder that occurs subsequent to the experience of physical, sexual or severe emotional abuse in the context of an emotionally intimate relationship.