Can you Keep a secret? The bruises told Me I could not Words spoken but Not spoken. Hand shaped bruises That spoke of pain. Cowering in our Garage Hiding from the pain The hands that hurt her. Her story is not Mine Thank God But I knew Even as a girl When she asked “Can you keep A secret?” I had to say “Not this one.” The pain in her Eyes, the stories Told but not told A reminder that There are times When you are asked “Can you keep a secret?” The answer has to be “No.” © Michelle R Kidwell August.29.2022