I could have climbed a mountain

I could have taken a hot air balloon ride

I could have been a world traveler

Or a rich man’s wife

But I lacked courage

Or self-belief

Because I was crushed

Your words broke me

I lost all hope

That did not stop you

You hurt me even when I was down

It gave you your greatest pleasure

But I sunk in a mound of despair

I tried to pull myself out

You were waiting to push me down

Now I know it is useless

Because the damage was done

Betty Burton is a passionate writer and is based in Virginia, USA.