Leather straps
A memory of searing pain
The kind that leaves
An abusive stain

Lies to cover up
The cruelty and the hurt
Behind locked doors
Where punishment would flirt

Damaged beyond
What she even knew
This is what she thought
Every father would do

Then one day
She realized the truth
Those embedded scars remain
As deplorable proof

© 2018 Michelle Cook

For a full month of writing prompts, click here!  Leathery lies