Faces of Violence

You’re Not Better Than Me

She woke up her little boy In the middle of the night
Battered and afraid she wouldn’t survive another fight
Her husband said I’m sorry as his hand held the knife
She swore it’s the last time he’ll threaten her life

She said..You’re not better than me
Why did it take me so long to see

Her favorite photograph was torn and scattered on the floor
Smiling faces trying to hide their private war
She packed a bag to leave and find a safer place to go
So, on the kitchen table she left him a note

It said..You’re not better than me
Why did it take me so long to see

She learned to cry without making a sound
Pretending to be happy when her little boys around
But he can see the pain his daddy left behind
The kind that won’t fade from her body and her mind

Hands are not for hurting,
She teaches her son
She says...when you grow into a man,
Don’t hurt the ones you love

She tried to take her little boy far away from home
Violence is all they had known
Her son he said I’m sorry as his hand held the gun
He swore it’s the last time his momma will have to run

His son said..You’re not better than me
Why did it take me so long to see
I‘m not a victim, I have dignity
You’re not better than me
You’re not better than me
You’re not better than me

Ellen Bukstel

2006 Jewish Community Services Domestic Abuse - You're Not Better Than Me