Packing quickly, throwing some things in a bag__
Hurrying the child with sleep in his eyes__
Knowing that there isn't much time.
Running away from the one you loved.
The stranger waiting in the car__
Compassion in her eyes.
Wanting to look back at the house where you thought life would be good,
But there's no looking back, only forward.
Not quite recovered from the last beating, physically hurting and sick at heart.
Wondering how things had gone so wrong.
For so long, he had you convinced that it was your fault__
That you deserved all the pain he gave you.
For so long you had yourself convinced that if you just tried harder, he would change.
Now knowing the truth__ You were the one who had to change.
You found the courage deep inside
To start a new life without the fear.
A better life for you and your child.
Running away from the one you loved.
Finding a love you'd lost__
The love of yourself.

Elizabeth Parsons 2004 ©