abuse
has a very strict definition
like table
or coffee
or book
abuse
has a very strict usage
that shouldn’t be
thrown around
especially not to sell books
abuse
involves a very strict scenario
of consistent, excessive force
often leaving welts, bruises,
broken bones,
and sometimes worse
no, you shouldn’t
misuse
“abuse”
especially not to sell books
it’s unethical
it’s exploitative
it’s unimaginable
you’d do something like that
to family
when we fed you
when we bought you toys,
movies, video games
when we held you
feverish and trembling
when we drank with you
when we sang with you
when we paid your credit debt
when I went to your wedding
when I watched your child being born
was that abuse?
no it wasn’t
you’re just exaggerating
sensationalizing
a smattering
of events
to sell books
to sell your awful book
no
abuse
has a very strict definition
he hardly ever beat us
he hardly ever screamed at us
he hardly ever left a mark
how could you
mention such things
while we’re still living
you’ve hurt a lot of people,
you know?
you’ve made life
much more difficult
with all this
abuse
Nathaniel Sverlow is a freelance writer of poetry and prose. He currently resides in the Sacramento area with three cats, one incredibly supportive wife, and his young son. His previous publishing credits include Typehouse Literary Magazine, Black Fox Literary Magazine, The Fiction Pool, Squawk Back, and Bone Parade. He also recently published his first poetry compilation, The Blue Flame of My Beating Heart.