I would like to dedicate this poem to raise awareness on an issue which is not easy to talk about. This topic is domestic violence. This has been an issue affecting many people, and this poem also honors a friend who went through it. I hope this piece brings strength to victims, and please know that you are brave.

She….

Her eyes were teary-eyed.

She had enough.

It was time to gather her things and walk away.

For the first time in a long time, she was not afraid.

Time after time she was scared to go.

For fear of the man who controlled her soul.

But something happened as time passed on.

After all the beatings and the constant verbal pain.

She began praying each day.

Within each verse, she felt stronger.

It was her faith in God which called upon her.

"No need to be afraid my child."

The voice called upon her.

She smiled.

It had been a long time since she took a stand.

But this was the time to let herself go and be free.

She was sick of feeling defeated and incomplete.

So early in the morning with one suitcase in hand.

She did not leave a note or anything else.

It would not be an easy road to believe in herself, but she took the first step and new that her faith in God would make her whole and new again.