Letting go

I used to think family meant forever,

But growing up taught me

That some bonds fray

Long before they sever.

I tried to be the person

You wanted to see.

You said I was ungrateful.

You said I misunderstood.

You said I was lost,

Needing fixing before I worsen.

I used to pray and used to believe

That it would do some good.

But prayers don’t work,

The thought was so naive.

When love is conditional,

When only one person

Keeps trying to hold it together,

Our cycle now typical.

You never asked who I am,

Only told me who I should be.

Now here I stand,

Unwilling to be a hologram.

Even though I still love you,

I’ve chosen to let go.

This isn’t the same as giving up,

It’s trying to start anew.

Now I stand here,

Outside looking in.

At the storm I couldn’t calm,

Stepping free of the weight so severe.

Here I’ll breathe without asking permission.

A life I’ve built to fruition.