not by committee...remember?

 
they think I should hate you
they're my family...I get it
but I have to admit...
the most I can muster is anger
it's not in me to un-love
there's a slice of my heart where you'll always live
I gave you the key
...true...I later changed the lock
...it was warranted
but nobody else will ever occupy that space
it was yours & so it remains
but they're frustrated
I know where it comes from
they're simply trying to protect me
that's just not how it works
the deed is already done...no going back now
I wouldn't even if I could
because there were times...
...when it was still good...
...fucking incredible
that's how it felt
and I won't pretend...
for the sake of their agenda
that we were never more than a mistake
diminishing us is tantamount to destroying me
my heart...my hope...my love...my instincts
it's a form of destruction I won't take part in
even if I was a pawn in your game
I gained
...lessons & growth
we both know it
how to communicate & occupy space
you showed me how to stand up for myself
to set boundaries & expect truth
to accept nothing less
and though it eventually backfired on you
the lesson was learned & I defended my worth
just as you taught me to do
in light of all that...I'm not going back
and yet...
I loved you then & love you still
truth is...
...despite the finale...
...I always will