The Day I Left

My own story of domestic violence, oppression and finally, freedom.

The day I left you with violence in your heart,  your eyes lashing out at life,  at love.  You seemed to me a giant. A force, like a roiling hurricane,  unpredictable,  incomprehensible, terrible.  Inside, little boy lost, alone in your internal voyage. Dying, screaming, don’t leave me. The weight of your need, crushing, stifling, leaving me breathless and small. in it’s enormity.  Keeping me in chains,  bound by the bonds of children.. Held tightly, firmly in the narcissistic grip of what is you. My needs disappear,  like a chameleon in the wood,  blending with yours  until I am just a thought,  an idea. The day I left, confusion clouded your eyes like a smoke filled room.  My loneliness filled the room  with your answer.  My tears drowned you in truth. My indifference  ripped you to shreds. The boy emerging. The truth, unsure.  The day I left, I took a breath, my first in years. Filling my soul with freedom.  Claiming the life long buried within. I remembered me again. Where were you, I asked?  Embracing the girl, lost long ago. Doesn’t matter, I answered. I’m back.

Author's Note

To all women (and men) everywhere in abusive relationships. Empower yourself and leave. YOU ARE WORTH SOMETHING....

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

"Keeping me in chains,
bound by the bonds of children..
Held tightly, firmly
in the narcissistic grip
of what is you."

Our children are used like weapons against us, and remain the glue that holds our sanity in tact. You wrote this with a firm hand and a heavy heart, Riss. God bless you for that!

[Riss Ryker]

Your back! I'm honored! Kelly, this poem speaks of a time in my life that was traumatizing. Domestic violence, safe houses (many), three young boys and a loneliness so intense it was frightening. But rewards for my freedom was worth every minute. If I could tell women one thing about staying in a bad relationship, it would be to remember that your life has worth, and your worth doesn't depend on HIM.

[Lenah Mehzabin]

I loved the theme and the emotions covering it ..sometimes we really need to live for us !

[Glen Yumang Manese]

In depth with the tone of this work...yet its raw and grabs the attention of the reader...the voice is presented...I felt like I found this tucked in an old envelope and coming to the realization of the experience one is going through as the words unfolded...

[Riss Ryker]

i'm honored by your review, Glen. Thank you so much for taking the time to read.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

You're welcome...I haven't had much time as of late to review...with the tail end of the novel and a newborn baby...every minute counts for me right now...hard to muster just the baby alone...hehehe...but I do once upon a time get in here and look at random...and found your work...good day...