The Day You Leave

first you’re broken
you long for him
no matter the states
he left you in

you look for him
but he’s not there
it’s just you - stripped
he left you bare

your heart is weak
your body frail
your eyes are sunk
your skin is pale

you hate yourself
on his behalf 
you often cry
you rarely laugh

consumed in anger
confused and hurt
you reduce yourself
back to his dirt

you second guess
think it’s your fault
to your own wounds
you take the salt

for days and weeks
for months and years 
you drown yourself
in pools of tears

“you were too much”
“you weren’t enough”
“you’re somebody no one -
could ever love”

you battle yourself
every single day
the hurt he caused
runs on replay

but it won’t last forever
this pain and strife
please ride it out
don’t waste your life

you have the gift of time
now you are safe
don’t rush the process 
take it at your own pace 

bruises heal
blood washes away
the trembling stops
the trauma fades

his voice gets quieter
you find your own
you find true strength
in being alone

past memories get lost
under future dreams
things get easier
your smile beams

the loosened grip
of absent hands
a newfound freedom
rise up and stand

before you know it
you’re happy and strong
you have hope 
you know life goes on

you know the flags
you’ve learned the signs
you know your worth
you’ll be just fine

you barely remember
how it feels to be
that scared little girl
down on your knees

now from the ashes 
you can rise
know you’re not his property
this is your life

hell hath no fury
like a woman scorned 
and hath no power
like one reborn

and though impossible now 
i know it seems
trust that healing begins 
the day you leave 

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327