I just kept promising
Kept promising that I’d leave
I just kept promising myself, my self-esteem, my sense of self, my self-worth, my peace
That I’d leave this man and all he has that binds me.

Just kept promising
Just kept promising
4 A.M. in bed- alone

When he didn’t come home
I promised
When he didn’t smile anymore
I promised
When I tasted my tears, as I lay alone- anxious and afraid
For the millionth ‘last time’
I promised
Each broken promise creating a new hole in my soul

But I kept,
And keep
Promising