Escape

Now that I am no longer there

not trapped, paralyzed under your hateful glare

now that I’m not right in front of you,

your eyes are willing to soften.

Now that I’m not coming apart at the seams

not shrinking away from your Earth-shattering screams

now that I’m too far away to hear,

your voice is willing to hush.

Now that I’ve packed up and went on my way

the others remain idle; the house falls into decay

now it’s just you taking care of it all,

and your body is willing to admit, “this is exhausting.”

Now that my throat doesn’t burn with attempted compromise

I see that your made-up mind will never see with my eyes.

Now that I’ve stopped trying to get through to you

your ears are willing to hear me out.

Now that I have broken free,

at last you see just how much you needed me

and as you despair, you know it’s true;

you finally realize: I don’t need you.