They watch you dance on stage, shaking your body. They watch your constant smile, which looks more genuine with every bottle they consume. They come to watch you move, to get your number, to invite you out.
But I see you.
I see you hesitate as you enter the stage. I see you limp from the pain of physical and emotional abuse. I see you holding the tears back that want to scream “help me”. I see the heavy weight of your smile as you use every muscle to maintain it. I see the discomfort as you dance with the man who dictates your job and happiness. I see you rush off the stage, even before the song fully finishes. I see you exit the changing room and sit in the corner by yourself, trying to maintain your strength for the next dance.
I see you sit with random groups of customers, holding your mandatory smile as you listen to them chatter. I see the frustration of doing or saying whatever it takes to make them happy.
I see the managers whispering lies into your ears. I see him speaking angrily to you—threatening your livelihood and joy with every action you make. I see the fear that gives you a burst of energy for the moment, and I see the wounds that are inflicted on you regularly.
I see the hopelessness in your eyes, the pain in your smile, and despair in every step you take.
I also see a beautiful daughter that I created. I see a heart that longs to be loved with a true love. I see a beautiful smile under the shame that is currently hiding it. I see someone full of so much worth, and it’s a unfortunate that nobody else chooses to see it. I see someone worth fighting for.
I won’t stop chasing after you. I want to free you from this bondage and bring you to a place of healing and prosperity. I catch every tear and feel your every pain. I love you unconditionally, and I have better plans for you. I won’t stop pursuing you. I won’t give up on you.
You are mine.
