I am free.

I never thought this day would come.

I never thought I could break the bonds of this obsession

That so cleverly masked itself as love.

I feel foolish really

For being deceived the way that I was,

Even though I suppose it could happen to anyone.

Would anyone keep on forgiving transgression upon transgression,

While themselves being marked as a pariah?

Would anyone listen to the words and desperately try to believe them

Even as actions tell a different story?

Would anyone stand for being judged and found unworthy by those

Who have yet to understand that youthful indiscretions are for the young?

Perhaps not.

Perhaps anyone else would have realized that this train was on a one way track

Certain in its decision to crash and burn.

I convinced myself that I stayed because of loyalty…

Because sacrificing my own needs in favour of yours would be all the proof you needed…

Because my world would crumble without you in it.

It hasn’t, and that amazes me.

How was I to know that instead of holding me up

You were holding me back?

I have tried as hard as I can to figure out

What would be lost from my life if you were no longer in it.

Your presence would be missed,

But my heart would continue to beat,

I would continue to find inspiration in the smallest of things,

I would continue to find a reason to smile.

I would still be loved by those who actually treasure my company.

So I have been released.

The fever has broken at last and I am free to play in the rain.

I will revel in my new found liberty…

In the feeling of raindrops on my face.

I will let them erase not your memories,

For those carry a lesson that I am loathe to forget,

But rather the feeble coward who existed when I was in your company.

I will let them nourish a new me…

A strong me…

A free me.