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.