I was raped by my husband in May of 2003. The love I had for him died that night.
There had been emotional and verbal abuse. I chose to believe that it would be better if I could just be a better wife. Things only got worse and I left almost a full year later.

My hope is to help women realize they are not alone. That spousal rape is RAPE. I want them to know they have rights, and protection under the law. I want them to know they do not need to feel ashamed; they have done nothing wrong.

More than anything, I want these women to know that there is life after abuse. They can heal and move on and feel whole again. I hope this selection of my poetry touches just one person along the way.

“Sound of Violence” was my response to how people treated me as I began telling them what I was going through.

“Is Me” was written almost one full year after the rape. It was affirmation to myself that not only was I able to, but I deserved to take my life back.

“Crossroads” was written four days after I left. I was safe and I realized that the road in front of me was mine for the taking.

“Ode to Day 21” was written 21 days after I left. I have been told that habits are changed in 21 days. Day 21 was indeed a milestone for me. Three weeks toward claiming back the woman I was, and was meant to be.

As you read these words, let them sink in. Let them ramble around in your head and consider the strength of all the women who walk away from abuse. They are heroes.

The canvas artwork was done by my sister, Adrianne Taylor-White.