The Moment of Decision

She watched him as he worked.
Hiding a love she dared not let him see.
A love so strong that if she let him go
a part of her would go with him forever.

She longed to trust his words,
The sincerity of his voice,
The warmth of his eyes that touched
the part of her she thought had died.

If only she could believe...

But she'd heard those words before
From another man
In another place
Another lifetime
And they'd been lies...lies of endless pain.

The resolve that had strengthened her
as she fled from her past
wavered in the torment of her indecision.
How could she take the risk when
her first step could bring her heartbreak or....
Happiness?

She watched him approach,
Saw him hesitate
as if he sensed her torment.
She realized he loved her
Enough to keep her safe
Enough to let her go.

In that moment
Time stopped and she knew.

The bonds holding her prisoner broke free.
The past dissolved as she saw the love in his eyes.
She held out her arms and embraced her future.
Whispering the words he'd waited a lifetime to hear.


— Darlene Palenik



Copyright 2001
by Darlene A. Palenik

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