Hold me close
As splinters of memories are scattered across our palms.
Let your hair engulf me
That sweet tangy smell of warm laundry and peppermints.
Your eyes hold the anxiety of the rushing waves
As they are swept again and again into the riptide.
But these arms are not yours.

I scream to you
But this cold stranger keeps me close
I know you are still somewhere inside him
But pushed down deep until your breath comes in short gasps.
I pry off his gripping fingers like icicles
And watch them shatter in the surf.
My tattered dress whips behind me
Brushing my legs with each pounding footstep.
My hair is flying and I feel like I could move mountains.
I don’t need you anymore.
Your small minded ideas on who I should be.
I am free.