He's Gone!

Should I jump up for joy and shout for gladness, to finally hear, that he's gone!  Should I sky-write and tell the world I'm free,  free from fear, free from all the hurt he's done!

Should I mention the many nights when my pounding heart would awaken thinking he had found me,
when I'd search the rooms to see if he had discovered my haven and come to pound me!

Remembered the times we cowered in a corner, hoping his hate and rage would soon be over,
not knowing whether to cry or laugh when he'd leave the room and come back the next day sober.

Remembered the many times when I tried to anticipate his every move, mood, and thoughts.
Always unsure if my next move would rain on our lives his wicked vicious onslaughts.

Succeeded in escaping him on one rainy day, moved far away to the other side of town,
but always feared that he would somehow discover my whereabouts and we be found.

Always jumped, cringed, and tried to hide from any face that of him reminded me, knowing full well that an encounter would unleash hellish, violent acts on you and me.

Unequivocally, he's gone! So, why do my dreams and heart not rest from its fear? Why do they deny he's passed on, why are they trembling and sweating as though he were near?

Too many years of abuse and fear for in one day's tidings to make it disappear; too many tears shed and living in the dark shadow of despair to just push it to the rear.

Time will bring healing balm on its wings; time will help us unhappy memories forget! 
Nightmares will turn to sweet dreams again, when happy times we encounter just ahead!

So, I'm here to tell you, to give you, the good tidings, that he's really gone!
That we are free and can come out of hiding; that with pain, suffering, and despair we are finally done!