Bound By You ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry

My friends all say, and I can see,
You break me down so carelessly.
I know they’re right—I know it’s true,
Yet still, I stay, still drawn to you.

I close my eyes—you reappear,
A ghost of love I hold too near.
You make me laugh, then make me cry,
You pull me close, then pass me by.

You whisper words I long to hear,
A lover’s voice, a siren near.
I turn away, yet spin around,
Lost in the grip where I am bound.

What must I do to break this chain?
To free my heart from love and pain?
Confused, I am, yet still I stay—
Will I escape, or fade away?

Domestic Violence

In this month of love I share this poem, “Bound by You”, to give voice to the internal struggle of women caught in the cycle of domestic violence. The truth is devastating: one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or family member—someone they once trusted, someone who once swore to love them. 

Women who stay in abusive relationships often hear the same questions: “Why don’t you leave?” “Why do you go back?” But leaving isn’t always simple. The ties that bind are deeper than what the eye can see—woven from fear of retaliation, financial dependence, isolation, and the emotional manipulation that distorts reality.

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. There is help. In the US:

  • 911
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788 for confidential support 24/7.
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline (for Indigenous communities): Call 1-844-762-8483 [7NATIVE] or visit strongheartshelpline.org.
  • Love Is Respect (for dating abuse support): Call 1-866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online at loveisrespect.org.
  • Or in your country, the local emergency helpline.

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In creative solidarity, Dee

24 thoughts on “Bound By You ©Dawn Minott”

  2. This is such a tragic and senseless reality Dee. 😥 Everyday, we hear about a deadly incident involving victims who sought to get away from their abusers. Yet thank you for continuing to spread the word. The more we know, the more we can prepare for. 🤗🙏🏼😊

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