Watch And Cut Poem by Vanessa Dizon Alvarez

I used to rush to clear my name,
To fight the lies, defend the flame.
But now I pause, I let it slide
And watch who stands on gossip's side.

No need to plead, no need to prove,
I see who shifts, I watch who moves.
Their silence speaks, their trust is thin
So I know where to start again.

I won't explain to deafened ears,
Or chase the ones who feed on fears.
If truth's too much for them to see,
Then they were never meant for me.

The ones who judge without a word,
Are echoing what they have heard.
But hearts that seek what's real and true,
Will always ask, not just assume.

So let them talk, let rumors fly
I'll rise above, I won't comply.
I'll guard my peace, I'll cut with grace
And leave no trace in toxic space.