It’s time
For a change.
My feelings
Have rearranged.

I lay in bed
Feeling the heat of your body
Radiate next to me.
I wonder,
“Is this right?”
My thoughts take up the night.

It’s time
For a change.
I feel distant.
I can’t explain.

My thoughts keep running
Like a runner on a track.
I lift my head,
Grab my pack
And lighter,
And carefully get out of bed.

It’s time
For a change.
You and I
Are no longer the same.

I look at the table
And notice another empty bottle.
You downed another
When I wasn’t looking.
Now, you stink of alcohol.
I can’t say a thing.

I unlock the door,
Turning the key,
Feeling a spark of hope
Inside of me.
I walk outside
Down to where the sand hits the tide.

It’s time
For a change
I don’t want to hurt you,
But I feel estranged.

“What are you doing?”
I hear you say.
I want to respond,
To tell you how I feel,
But all I can do
Is pray.

It’s time
For a change.
I need a sign
To help me break away.

“Come back inside,”
You say in a controlling
And angry tone.
I make a decision.
I dive head first into the bay.

It’s time for a change.
As I swim further,
My heart becomes surer.

With you,
I can’t breathe,
As if I’m drowning in cold water.

You once spoke to me
Lovingly.

Now you say my name
With disgust and distaste.

It’s time
For a change.
I swim back to shore
Not knowing what’s in store.

“What were you thinking?”
You shout at me.
I brush past you,
Grab a suitcase,
And start packing.
This is the last time
Undoubtedly.

It’s time
For a change.
This upsetting routine
Isn’t at all strange.

“You’ll be back,”
You say in a quieter voice.
I look at you,
And say, “No.”

It’s time
For a change.
I’m free now,
And love has
A different name.