‘Your words wound me deeply, but your silence hurts even more.’

If only he knew

my silence was a shield

armor I’d worn over bruised and scarred skin

If only he knew

the words were sewn shut down my throat

aching to break free

That my heart was battered with betrayal

by ruthless hands

that had once given me the world

If only he knew

I was trapped amidst a void of anger

waiting for a tether of hope to pull me out

That my love was fierce and dangerous

like knives penetrating skin

it would leave him bleeding

So I walked away

letting the distance between lengthen

until he was gone