Drinking, laughing, social bliss,
Nothing much could ruin this.
A perfect evening out with friends,
Don't ever want this night to end.

Flirting more as hours roll by,
Leaning in to catch his eye.
Smiling wide and laughing free,
Show him all I can that's me.

His hand so warm amidst the night,
Woven fingers holding tight.
Walking slowly, feeling safe,
His lips find mine, in his embrace.

Kiss returned and eyes aglow,
The traffic stops and off we go.
Resume our walk to journey's end,
Until I stop for him again.

Fingers teasing through his hair,
Lips succumb all I can dare.
Pulling back and smiling sweet,
Our footsteps start upon the street.

Seeing home's not far away,
He stops again, he wants to play.
Lips so warm and soft and strong,
His need, it carries me along.

I see two men there walking by,
They seem to want to catch my eye.
I watch them pass and leave them be,
They couldn't care one bit for me.

I pull away, home's calling loud,
It seems to be I'm not allowed.
Pushed back fast, his hands won't cease,
Begging from him my release.

Mouth now clamped and terrified,
Hands roam free, won't be denied.
The harshness of the wall behind,
No pain and fear seem more refined.

Eyes dart round to look for them,
Where have they gone? Where are those men?
My fear tells me I've had enough,
I gather strength and force him off.

Back he comes, now seeming calm,
But eyes intent on doing harm.
Watching hard I make my vow;
I've had enough, it's my turn now.

Stronger than I've ever been,
Anger builds and red's been seen.
I push again and move to go,
My heart, my soul, my mouth scream, "NO!"

I move away, now fighting tears,
The rage is ringing in my ears.
He tries to walk some way with me,
Is this time warned to leave me be.

The journey now a frantic pace,
I'll never win this inward race.
Quicker steps won't take me back
Before the personal attack.

Reaching home I pause through fears,
And wipe away my stinging tears.
My parents waiting there inside,
And all I want to do is hide.

Carefully, I wander in,
Say what a lovely night it's been.
Smiling soft, and bleary-eyed,
They see no trace of tears I've cried.

Bathing, scrubbing, wash away
All traces of a nightmare day.
But soap and sponge won't get me clean,
What dirt remains just can't be seen.

Sitting, staring, bleeding heart,
Can't let it tear my world apart.
Time to rest and get some sleep.
A wakeful night, I lay and weep.

Constant replays through my head,
Re-living pain, and fear, and dread.
A nightmare evening out with friends,
I do so wish this night would end.