The Higher Ground. Poem by Charlene Lee

You do not like me; that is fine, I know,
I never asked for you to lay the floor below.
If I am not your person, if you cannot stay,
I'll be the one to move the stones out from your way.

I'll open up the door to let your freedom through,
I expect a future that is waiting there for you.
I will not speak of flaws or try to bring you low,
I've matured beyond the stings of long ago.

It brings a quiet joy to hold the handle wide,
To watch you gather up the things you kept inside.
Take what is yours—the memories and the years,
I'll stand in silence, far beyond the reach of tears.

And if you need to paint me as the villain of your tale,
I'll wear the 'bad' persona, I will wear the veil.
For I have learned a secret that the bitter never win:
The kindest souls are those who let the healing begin.