We both came forth from this world as equals.
My name is SHE, I have known HE,
I have a life, but one with fear of HE.
I have left my enemy to define me and my fate,
for everything here has the picture of he on it.
HE says I am more beautiful with tattoos of painful
bruises carved by violent and repeated hits.
My experience of foreplay are, whips, kicks and throws.
My tattoos increase when I differ, when I cry for
wanting lovemaking and not sex.
They are more when I am rightfully barren
and worse when I am pregnant.
When I have tattoos on my face, only few ever see it,
The veil of silence masks it.
I know I do not want these tattoos,
but my tattoos are justified for nothing has been done to stop it.
SHE is blamed and HE is vindicated.
My only rescue is ssshhhh… 
–Written by Adaobi Nkeokelonye (2004)