The Victim You Play Poem by Vanessa Alvarez

When I cut you off, I knew what you'd do—
You'd twist up the tale to make it seem true.
You'd paint me in shadows, you'd play the sweet part,
While hiding the damage you left in my heart.

You'd tell them I'm cruel, that I walked away,
But skip all the nights I begged you to stay.
You'd leave out the lies, the silence, the sting,
And only recall what makes you look clean.

You play the victim, so calm and composed,
While I hold the truth that never gets told.
But I won't explain, I won't plead my case—
I've learned that the truth doesn't need to chase.

Let them believe what they want to believe,
I've made my peace, I've chosen to leave.
Your version may echo, but mine will stay still—
And silence, sometimes, speaks louder than will.