I had to go.

I had to leave her behind.

Yes, alone.

Yes, in the dark.

Yes cold, yes hungry, yes afraid

I had to.

I

I had to escape

Escape my loneliness and my fears

Escape from the heart aches and hidden tears

From the internal drama and brushed off trauma

Desolate, Abandoned, Naked, and afraid

Just to gain

I had to let me go

Leave her in the very places I avoided my entire life

To the very monsters that woke me with fright

To find someone who saw it all worth the fight

To find someone ready

Someone able

Willing and upfront.

And when the time comes to break away to find myself again

I will leave her stranded.

Yes, confused. Angry. Hopeless. Without amends.

Just to be the woman of power, honor, and emotional well-being.