Over. Such weight in two syllables She felt it first like a punch to her sternum Quick Sharp She was gasping for air, but getting none She felt the word wrap around her middle like a vise The squeeze was nauseating The tears burned her cheeks Then cooled They continued their erosive path for days Was it weeks? Sobs escaped her long after the pools of her eyes had become arid and dry She longed for anger Give me rage! Let me beat my fists upon my chest! Let me strike him Let me fight There was no spark to light the flame of fury Where there once was softness, now all had turned to stone