did you know...?

 
when I caught his eye
& he set out to reel me in
I noted similarities
recalling in detail...
how good you'd been for me

empty spaces still echoed
where you once roamed the halls
so arrogantly
{because you had a right to be}

& when he exerted his dominance
I reminisced
on all those whispers caressing my ear
as you pressed your advantage

aggression is a beautiful language
& I'm fluent in its sister-tongue
pure acceptance & compassion
woven together...
...a sacred harmony

a melody he reveled in...
always demanding more
of what can only ever be...
...freely given
thus striking a discordant note

& when darkness descended
settling heavily on my bowed shoulders
your voice kept me going
words heard that he never uttered
honoring my sovereignty

a tiny flicker of light
in all-consuming shadow
urging me to hold steady
one foot & then the other
feeling out the path
always there before me

until I emerged
out of the charred hell
in which I'd imprisoned myself

bruised in spirit...
weary beyond words
it was your voice I heard
you can do this

at every turn...
in every moment...
...beautiful & filled with pain
though I couldn't see your face
...lost in the mists of my past

you were still there
softly calling my name
constantly reminding me
who I am