I Can'T

I run on shards of glass The path seems endless Darkness suffocates me I want to stop But I can’t Leave you. Barbed wire constricts around my wrists Sharp needle-like points dig into my skin Blood slowly drips from my wounds I struggle to free myself But I can’t Leave you. A hammer strikes me Time and time again Knees hit the ground I try to stand But I can’t Leave you. Pain radiates through my torso A snake constricts around my waist Breathing turns heavy I try to pull it off But I can’t Leave you. My mouth aches Stitches sew my mouth shut Muffled screams fill the room I try to speak But I can’t Leave you. A boxing ring and opponent I’m frozen in place He lunges at me I want to fight back But I can’t Leave you. I need to tell someone But I can’t Leave you. I need to escape But I can’t Leave you. And after so many years of hearing: “You can’t” from your lips I want to leave you And I need to leave you But I can’t