The End by: Leria Hawkins october 22,2020 Poem by Leria Hawkins

I defended the scars
Made light of the burns
All because I loved you
I hid in shadows
Because it's what you wanted
I stood outside, always looking in
Because that's how it had to be
My cheek has turned so many times
Braced for words that strike me hard
Leaving a sting on my heart and glass in my eyes
All because I loved you
I backed down from confrontation
Made light of things that hurt me deeply
I chose hope where there was none
Dreams over reality
I have justified our many storms
Accepted what refused to change
Felt insignificant beneath the perpetual 'wait'
Broken by half-truths
All because I loved you
Too much time has passed
Too many hurts yet to heal
I've no more pages left to write
No more songs to sing
So I'll mark the final closing
Lay down my pen
Close the book…
The End.