aloud

His arm slashes out, her cheek

bursts into colour.

Feral turn of lip, her foot kicks 

his shin.

a speedy breath catch, pain hisses.

His fingers lock on wrist.

she tugs, still trapped,

then she bends, not breaks.

Teeth draw blood.

he backs away, two steps,

he spits,  

he says, 

'do you feel yet?'

and she smiles raw,

she smiles strong.

Tongue swipes swollen lip.

she steps up, 

she steps up,

he grabs her, she slips.

Now she's over him.

He laughs.

Her hold begins to crack.

Her mouth snatches his, he's the first

to show her how to,

and why,

she's worth fighting back.