mercy as defense 

I didn’t want to hurt people 

by letting them know 

that they hurt me.

confession 

Eventually I shared my pain.

Could no longer live 

by their rules,

under their conditional love. 

echo 

I thought they’d want to sit, hold my hand,

and help me to understand.

Instead it’s been silent ever since. 

healed in silence 

So I cried, 

questioning my own defense.

But the tears dried, 

and all is finally clear. 

I am whole without them.

Without their pain.