Eyes brimming,
Cheek burning,
Waiting,
for the car door
that signals him gone.
Is it enough,
to make her brave?
That slapped cheek,
or broken bones,
bruised ribs,
black eyes, cut lips.
What will it take?
her hope is gone,
her dreams are shattered,
her body is broken,
her love is rejected,
her heart aches.
What will it take,
to find her courage,
to pack suitcases,
to leave,
to walk out
and start over again?
What will it take,
what last piece of strength
must she find,
what last piece of dignity
must she lose
to be ready to run
when that car door slams?