Angeline .

I learned to walk
Underneath the shade of a maple tree
Where I used to pretend I was getting married
And my best guy friend would be the groom
Or the broom as I used to call him
The same broom I used to sweep up the house
So many times
Cleaning everything
Working towards the freedom
I was always promised
But never received
Unlike the unreasonable punishments I endured
Some of which I may have deserved
But no
I didn’t deserve to be beaten
“Please,” I’d beg, “don’t hit me.”
The bruises and cuts heal
Unlike my broken heart
The millions of shattered pieces
I’ve tried to place back together
But it’s still unrecognizable

I learned to dance
Underneath the stars at night
That dangled from the blackness that surrounds us
Barefoot
On the wet grass
With my hair tangled and
Wildly flying out in every direction
In the light rain
With no one around and then I’d sing
through my tears
So many times
I went out late at night
To gaze up at the stars
Close my eyes
And let my inner person out (forget my past)
I’ve never danced with anyone before
But I’ve extended my hand
If you can see it in the dark
Push aside my hair
Look me in the eyes
Pull me close to you
And take this dance
Please, I’m begging you