Peaches

I was sweet and nice so he called me peaches. My name

was soon replaced as that. When I heard that name I

knew things were good.

But I soon started to hear myself be called other names

by him that weren’t so sweet and nice.

BITCH. STUPID. RETARD. THOT.

I started to hear those words a lot.

None of those sound like Ashley or Peaches. The words stuck to me like verbal leeches.

And soon the words bitch, stupid and retard were followed

by threats. He was starting to sound like the rest.

And soon those hateful words, and unnerving threats

were followed by punches, body slams to the floor, and

smothered tears and cries. He didn’t care about how

much I was dying inside.

From him I was afraid, but only secretly.

I guess he forgot that peaches bruise easily.

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Ashley Effrece is from the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx and grew up in the Throggs Neck projects. She loves the Bronx and considers it a damsel in distress. Her mission is to defend the Bronx, and help promote it’s culture, truth and light. She loves that the Bronx is raw, beautiful, gritty, resilient and so are the people. Bronxites are leaders, fighters, and winners. “We are the strongest New Yorkers I know.”