He can drown you, without being near any water.
Pressing in, and making sure you have nowhere to run
He’ll cause your heart to speed, race.
Laughing as your lungs search frantically for some shred of salvation, some small string of hope.
He knows none exists.

He’ll tell you horrible things.
How you’re a terrible person, that you will never amount to anything, that things would be better if you were dead.
He’ll say you are a sad, pathetic, useless shell of a person.
That everyone would be better off without you.
He’ll smile as you cry.

He hurts you and relishes every moment.
If he went after anyone you love, you wouldn’t stand for his abuses, but you do nothing but take his horrible words.
He pulls you away, from your friends, your family, your happiness.
He does his best to leave you completely helpless.

And then he’ll leave
And you’ll have no choice but to try and pick up the pieces, try to rebuild yourself and your life.
You might be successful, but he’s left scars
And you wonder when he’ll reappear,
With a wicked smile on his lips.