Turn the Page, be Free

With each new day, there is a sunrise and possibility of change. Like opening a new book.

Turn the Page, Be Free


Battered suitcase of memories,
remmants of who I used to be.
I walk away, close each door.
A new world awaits, I am free.

Once a tender rose, teased open by prose.
Touched my virginal heart, words to please.
A frightened doe, sheltered by years of rules
Layer by layer, he unwrapped each piece.

Sweet with promises, a handsome prince.
Childhood books, fairy tales may come true.
My future mapped out, you offer romance.
Red roses, sweet words, magical mirror to pass through.

A bird in a hurricane, you carried this Juliet away.
Love is blind, a child can be bought by fake jewels.
Buried in a land of innocence, my trust lead astray.
A majestic ocean home, a new fortress of cruel.

Knowledge is key for weak women like me.
Raised to believe men will care for each need.
Like a caveman from times past, I was a guarantee.
A soft presence, sex toy, hostess, mother of offspring.

Our son was born strong, like an oak tree.
He wouldn't last, the doctors told me.
Why should I believe such lies?
But illness devoured him before my eyes.

An avalanche of tears I cried when my son died.
That grief sick monster came for his revenge at night.
An empty shell, I am pain personified inside.
Bruised outside, a soul in flight, no hope or appetite.

Several years go by, he tires of his punching bag.
I begin to care again, to use technology.
With no trophy wife, he has moved on to new games.
I want to find a world without misogyny.

My once gilded cage became a horrid cell.
I had a key, why did I stay? I couldn't love me.
A smile on my face, a cab awaits, no pumpkin shell.
This bird flies away, strong wings sail free.

By Kathie Stehr
2026