I could see it in you at the beginning

It all began in a time of youth and wonder,

A path, aboard a vessel bypassing trauma,

Something to cling to, comfort for the broken,

Swept along by what was expected of me,

But I dedicated myself to our babies,

An unwavering decision that endures,

I could see it in you, even at the beginning,

When it was assumed that I had lost myself to your will,

Pressed into control, this was not love but abuse,

This was dependence, this was the unspoken truth,

I could see it in you, even at the beginning,

Everyone saw a finale, but nobody witnessed the opening acts,

I knew the road ahead would be fatal,

If not for you, then certainly for me,

You always sort the forbidden exit you found,

I could see it in you, even at the beginning,

I tried to keep the darkness away, but didn’t know how,

Unprepared for your spite, your final attempt at control,

You wrote of freedom, but knowingly took it away,

I could see it in you, even at the beginning.

The girl I knew was gone, long before you left.