Silence

My body bears the marks,
Of his countless thrashings. 
I lie on the floor,
Still, as a stone.
My children,
Peep through the door.
Scared.
Fear seeped in their eyes.
Their mouths muttering,
A silent prayer.
I have no courage,
To meet their eyes.
To tell them,
I will be fine.
Perhaps, I won't.
They say it's unsafe,
To go out now,
But who can save me,
From the monster within.
I have nurtured that fear,
Till I became numb.
I have struggled, I strive,
I have worked hard to survive. 
Yet I smile through my pain,
In the hope of uniting,
With the world again.