Why did I say yes in the first place?

Why did I accept such disgrace?

I did it to keep my family together,

I later found out my sad mistake.

I thought I could handle this,

I thought time would change him,

But the more I got comfortable,

The more intense were the beatings.

I knew I had to do something,

Just got to get out of this place,

Pretending wasn't good anymore,

And my cup had now overflow.

I was packed and ready to go,

But he came home earlier than expected,

And no way was I turning back,

Though I had nowhere to go.

I thought of my kids,

I thought of their happiness,

It gave me the strength,

To win the abuser that day.

- Beautilyn Atkinson