I Left To Heal Poem by Vanessa Dizon Alvarez

Where have you gone? " they ask with grace, As if I vanished without trace. But I withdrew from poisoned air, From smiles that masked a silent snare.

I walked away from cruel delight, From daggers dressed in velvet night. From voices sweet that turned to flame, I fled the halls that spoke my name.

No longer shall I play their game, Or bathe in guilt, or burn in shame. I chose the path where silence sings, Where peace is born on broken wings.

I left the noise, the twisted cheer, To mend the cracks, to shed the fear. To guard the heart they bruised with lies, And wipe the tears from haunted eyes.

So ask me not to reappear— I walk with ghosts, but not with fear. I found my strength in shadows deep, Where wounded souls are free to sleep.