(Author's Note: This piece was unfinished until recently...spurred on by an old flame contacting me
and realizing any traces of pain that remained were now gone.)
Did you really think
my world would end when
you told me goodbye?
I thought it would, for a while…
Did you believe that my life
would be on hold forever,
though you moved on with yours?
I wept disbelieving tears as I waited…
Did you ponder how often
I spent sleepless nights in
brokenhearted misery over you?
I prayed the dawn would hurry…
Did you ever wonder if I
would be able to love another
as deeply as I had loved you?
I sometimes despaired of loving again...
Did you ever think you were mistaken
and that my self respect was stronger
than my need for you?
I learned strong women don't keep grieving…
Did you ever suspect I'd fight
with the heart of a warrior
when it comes to the right to love?
I see my true value within that gift to give…
Did it ever cross your mind
that my soul cannot be broken
by a man who had lost his own?
I'm telling you now you cannot have me…
Did the possibility that I could forgive
without your ever asking for it
give you room for pause?