This time I will not buckle
My head is held high
I don’t have to listen to
Your angry words
That cause me to cry
This time I will succeed
I will stand up to you
No more make up
This time we break up
I cannot see this through
This time I will not give you
A platform on which to strand
You play both the victim
And the dictator
Delivering a back hand
This time I will not duck
Your words disguised as knives
I deflect them fearlessly
No scars this time
This cat has many lives
This time you’re not the man I love
You are someone unrecognizable
Nasty, accusatory and untruthful
Spewing your aggression
My pain is undeniable
This time it is different
I bear no fault for your behavior
Arrogance unbecoming
I am striving for freedom
Look elsewhere for a savior
This time I look ahead
Old feelings are obsolete
Eyes front and center
There’s no looking back
This chapter is now complete
Christine Bolton – Poetry for Healing ©
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