He Didn't Win

He wanted control of her.
He told her she was not good enough.
He tried to make her believe no one else would ever care for her.
He didn’t win.

He used his fist to have power over her.
He used his words to make her feel unworthy.
He gave her every reason to think she would be all alone without him.
He didn’t win.

He gained strength from her tears.
His words were used to stone her.
He manipulated people to strengthen the isolation around her.
He didn’t win.

She awoke one morning.
She lies in bed beside him and yet she knew.
She was more alone with him there than she had ever been before.
He didn’t win.

She decided to follow her dreams.
She heard the big city calling her name.
She took the steps without him knowing.
He didn’t win.

She received the call. The offer was there.
Her destiny stood before her.
She left him standing in the driveway with dust all around.
She won.