Today I will no longer cry    

The tears are falling gently

Down my face

My heart is beating

At a deadly pace

As I reach the door

Opening it with fright,

Not knowing

What would meet my sight

Would it be a slap of a hand

A kick or thrown to the floor

Why? I ask myself

Are you walking back in this door

The fright has me shaking

Holding my breath

Would it be a smile meeting me �?or

Would it be my death

I knew I had to

Stand up and say no more

Face the situation

Make him walk out the door

I knew I had to

Stop the cycle of

Accepting the abuse

Accepting hate and not receiving love

Standing there toe to toe

                           Staring him in the eye                           

                 I hold my ground and tell him NO             

Today I will no longer cry    

Jacqueline G. Riley
8-30-2002
Copyright © 2002