Step Away
Friday Writings #189: The Most Important Step
"...for today’s optional prompt, I invite you to write poetry or prose which explores the same question: What’s the most important step a person can take?"
Perhaps the hardest step to take, yet the most important, is the first step away from a toxic relationship, be it romantic partner, family member, or employer. Those on the outside may find it easy to give the advice, “Leave, just walk away.” Easy to say, hard to accomplish! But, once that first step is taken, the next steps become easier.
Step away.
Step away.
I know it's harder to do
than say.
I was young once,
and in your same shoes.
I didn't step away
and I'm paying my dues.
Step away.
Step away.
I know it's harder to do
than say.
It's better now
than in a few years,
before there are children,
who will add to those tears.
Step away.
Step away.
I know it's harder to do
than say.
Take the first step.
Hold onto my hand.
I will be here to help
gain your balance to stand.
Step away.
Step away.
I know it's harder to do
than say.
Stepping away
will be a great stride
towards self confidence,
and a strong sense of pride.
Step away.
Step away.
I know it's harder to do
than say.
©2025 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved
Yes what a great message as I have had to step away as well in time. The hardest but best thing I could have done
ReplyDeleteWorking towards self confidence is an ongoing challenge.
ReplyDeleteWow, such an important realisation. I have often reflected that the decision not to have children with my first husband (luckily he very much didn't want any) made it so much easier when we came to divorce. He wasn't abusive; we were just highly incompatible in too many ways. Even so, everything would have been so much more difficult and complicated had there been children involved. As it was, we were able to make a clean break.
ReplyDeleteAs for those who are abusive – when I was a girl, the older women always said about our hypothetical future husbands: 'The first time he hits you, leave. Don't wait. If he does it once, he'll do it again.'
That was in the days when it was taken for granted that one could and would go back to one's parents if something went wrong, and be taken in no questions asked.
This is also a grim reminder of how common abusive marriages were, even back then. We think we have an epidemic of them now – and for sure we do – but perhaps they are simply more widely called out and reported now. I guess that is some degree of progress. But still, too many are initially reluctant to leave and/or they become trapped by parenthood plus lack of money. It is obviously a veryreal dilemma.
Insightful words. We certainly hope the next steps will be easier. But it is the not knowing ...........
ReplyDeleteYes, the step away, far away, from what hurts is surely the most important step!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed - sometimes stepping away seems like the wisest choice - Jae
ReplyDeletestep away...and keep urself away from pain n abuse
ReplyDeleteWhen I married Mrs J she wanted no children. She is a social worker and was working with children awaiting surgery to try helping them to be more mobile. Someplace along the line her mind changed; now we have a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. Ages 52 and 16. Hang tight, things change.
ReplyDeleteHard, yes more often thaan not; but never impossible. Sometimes there's only a split second to decide, but...
ReplyDelete