Listen

Listen
Can you hear the sound
Listen
Can you hear him
Listen
For he is speaking of the agony of his heart
The pain he felt
As she turned
Walked away
Never to look back
Listen
Can you hear the tears
Listen
Can you feel her pain
Every time she said the wrong thing
Looked the wrong way
Listen
His hand placed bruises of red markings
He called them love
Understanding
Listen
Teachings
She felt them
Feared them
Saw them
Listen
Knew they were not as he said
Listen
Where would she go
Didn't want to answer questions
Listen
See eyes
Stop, stare, point
Listen
She would try to leave
Escape this horrible reality
Listen
But where
How
When
What
He was all she knew
This is what he said lovers do
Listen
Why weren't others blackened and bruised
Listen
She could no longer
Stand the pain of his love
Listen
As it drew blood
Left marks
That even make-up
Nor clothing could no longer hide
Listen
It was time
Fear was no longer an option
Listen
She had to protect
The seed she carried inside
Listen
Before dawn
As he slumbered peacefully
The window opened so effortlessly
One leg
Arm
Head
Torso
Feet
Placed firmly on solid ground
She moved like a ninja in the night
Listen
She'd no longer
Have to fight
Listen
Moonlight was her guide
Maternal instinct was her sword
Listen
There a place
She could rest
Figure out her next move
Listen
No matter how
Long
Hard
Weak
Listen
There was no going back
Listen
A new beginning
Protecting her seed
Listen
A fresh start
No more marks
Made to cover
Fear
Not an option
Listen
Free
Free from
Her worst enemy
Listen