My heart was once wedged firmly
Directly between love and hate.
I truly loved those promises:
Marriage, children, and family.
They whispered to longings I felt
Deep within my being.
But I really hated the ugly realities of
Control, pain, humiliation, and so much more.
Sometimes I saw the light
In those briefest of times
When I found escape.
Glimmers of laughter
Rays of hope
Promises of happiness
And beauty and freedom.
I never asked for much,
No castles or mansions,
Fancy cars or diamonds.
All I wanted, all I longed for,
Hoped for, cried for,
Was a simple, normal life.
No more fighting late into the night,
No children crying, seeing mommy hurt.
No more berating, belittling
Throwing, screaming messes
Of despair and loss and fear.
And then, finally, it happened.
Late one night it ended, once and for all.
I breathed for what seemed like
The first time ever.
My heart started healing, flying free.
I finally have that life,
the one I always dreamed about.
Simple and happy.
Loving.
Normal.
