Domestic Violence

Today, I hit you on the head again.
Without warning, just like that.
Just because you reminded me
as I had asked you.
But I didn't like the message
and you just wouldn't shut up.

I didn't even look at you.
I took a swing and hit you.
Like I didn't care
like you couldn't feel pain.
And your little hands
you held up in defense
didn't help at all.

This was not the first time, I know.
And I know apologies won't help
because every time it happens
you don't listen anymore
you just fall into silent reproach.

Maybe it's your fault, too.
There need to be two for this:
One to hit and one to be hit.
But you just take it, every time.
And one day, you'll break
and I will need to get a new
alarm clock.