I never knew words could be so strong
Until your words carried my breath away in one hand
And my heart in the other

I never knew opinions could be so strong
Until my father’s opinions forced me against one wall
And you against the other
Vowing to never let you go

I never knew hatred could be so strong
Until your hatred for my father crushed my breath and my heart
When you clenched your hands around them

I never knew an agreement could be so strong
Until you handed my father my freedom
When the two of you shook hands

I never knew satisfaction could be so strong
Until my father’s satisfaction defied his opinions
And let you step away from the wall
Vowing to let you go

I never knew a look could be so strong
Until your eyes met mine
And you stepped away from the wall
Holding up your end of the bargain

I never knew theft could be so strong
Until you walked away after having taken not two but three of my things
My heart in one hand
My breath in the other
And you traded my freedom for yours