Holding On

She wanted to scream.
Felt it form in her lungs,
chest expanded
ready to release. Pictured
her mouth open, unhinged,
sounding the one word
she could not.

Only                                                            she held it too long

hesitated, considered all but herself

and what began as a pause                                       extended.

Her tongue twisted
into a clenched fist,
throat closed and despite
knowing it was wrong
she stalled

until now                                                           became too late

years had passed.