Mind: the Stockholm Syndrome

I wrote this when I visited Stockholm for a long weekend.

I gave you the best years of my life
You said you loved me; I made you my wife.
We got married; was there a honeymoon?
You gave me your vows; I took them too soon.

I can’t remember how we first met.
Wounded, you say; nursed me like a pet.
Walked me deep into woods of fear
Which way home?
Cinderella would disappear.
Fetch!
In forests of doubt.
I’d get lost
Red Riding Hood!
I’d shout.
Goldilocks found me in bed
No caress; just bound with dread.

A charm, a delight if we left the house
They’d remark: lucky guy- a model spouse.
But shut the door, your anger was set loose
Your grip strangled; my neck bruised by your noose.
Slap!
Hit!
Taunt and mock!
Ready to blow your fuse.
Ours was no romance but domestic abuse.
Beaten by a woman; I couldn’t bear the shame
To reveal my anxiety, openly share my pain.

You were always around even when I was far away
Whispering cruel kisses wherever my head lay.
Never ending despair; always a miserable sequel
Was there a before? What was life like in the prequel?

I left; but kept coming back.
Help!
Relieve my distress!
Held in the arms of my tyrant doll, waiting in your pretty dress.

Enough!
Your torment and ruthless pout.
Could I cope on my own?
I had to find out.

Caged; Hansel was leashed like a bitch
Time for Gretel to trick the witch.
When you stepped outside to try a new lock
I ran to the door; grabbed the key from your frock.
Slam!
Click!
I slumped on the floor
You started banging, begging for more.
‘Oh, my G.A.D, I’m sorry babe’, I heard you plead.
I ignored your sobbing; it’s your time to leave.

Silence.
I wistfully realised
I might miss you but that’s no surprise.
I’m used to the comfort of your taunt
Your constant fixations alas still haunt.
I wish myself: Happy Ever After, you’re doing fine
But secretly it feels more like Once Upon A Time.