Running From The Cage

Five years in.

And I finally see him.

(this ends now…)

Two more years of holding my breath,

Counting bruises no one checks.

Learning how to hide the truth,

Learning how to survive you.

You told me the world was poison,

Said I’d never make it alone.

So I stayed inside your shadow,

Called your anger home.

(called it home…)

Every lie is finally cracking,

Every mask is slipping thin.

I know what you’ve done,

And I know what you’re capable of.

(I know…)

I’m running from the cage you made,

From the fear you wrapped in love.

You said I was nothing without you —

Now I know that wasn’t truth.

I was never yours to own,

Never built to break like this.

You can’t keep me here forever —

I won’t die inside your grip.

I used to freeze when you raised your voice,

Now my silence feels like a choice.

Every threat, every warning sign,

Burned into the back of my mind.

You said if I left I’d regret it,

Said I’d crawl back on my knees.

But I’d rather bleed trying to live

Than rot where you buried me.

(not again…)

You don’t scare me like you used to,

I’m afraid — but I’m awake.

And I’d rather face the unknown

Than another day of you.

I’m running from the cage you made,

From the lies you called protection.

Your love was just control in disguise,

A slow, silent infection.

I was never yours to keep,

Never born to be this small.

You can chase, you can threaten —

But I’m already gone.

You taught me fear.

I taught myself strength.

You broke me down —

I rebuilt anyway.

If freedom costs everything,

Then I’ll pay it gladly.

Because staying would’ve cost my soul,

And I won’t give you that.

I’m running — and I’m not looking back.

No more rules, no more lies.

You don’t get the last word anymore,

You don’t get my life.

This isn’t love,

This is survival.

And I choose me —

Even if it destroys you.

Five years lost.

But I’m still here.

And this time…

I escape.