Chivalry

He could hear the fear in her voice as she spoke her request,
he didn’t even need to hear about all the rest.
He didn’t want her to panic or to do something worse,
not one with such a sweet voice as hers.

He could help her to hide from the abuse and the pain
if she would please stop her crying and listen to him.
Now was the time for swift action, not the time to give in,
and he would keep all her secrets, she could truly trust him.

When she reached a place of safety would she please check back in?
He asked her to promise and to please ask for him.
When she hung up the phone he buried his head in his hands.
Had he helped her escape safely? Had he done all he could as a man?

Note: this poem is dedicated to those caring souls who answer abuse hotlines and the 9-1-1 calls throughout the world. Few ever think about the toll that it takes on their hearts and their lives, but I do.