In a house down the street
a young woman hides,
frightened and terrified
while she silently cries.

She cowers away
in a corner somewhere.
Will he come tonight?
Does anyone really care?

Alone with her thoughts
she is broken and torn,
she does not deserve this
it's like waking a storm.

"What have i done
that has made him hate me?
I cannot remember
why he rages and seethes.

I called out for help
tried to make them aware.
I told them he's dangerous
but they don't seem to care.

So what do i do
while i hide here in shame?
Do i walk away
or let things stay the same?

I hear him – he's coming!
Lord please help me now!
Don't let him hurt me,
but I hear his evil growl!

Strong hurting hands
around my neck,
squeezing so tightly
I can't catch my breath..."

A lifeless young body
lies on the floor
all battered and bruised
like so many before.

But this time it's different
he went way too far!
If only they'd listened
and jumped in the car.

Nola says about her poem:

"This poem is about domestic violence and the secrets that surround it, the lives of mothers and children that have been lost waiting for the help that never came. It is a very sad poem, but one that must be read to understand how truly heartbreaking domestic violence is.

"[This poem came to me] as I sat and listened to the news that yet another young lady's life was taken by domestic violence. She died all alone with neighbours not aware of what was going on inside that house."