This isn't Love
Don’t you dare tell me you love me
I know you don’t.
I have a knot in the pit of my stomach,
I have a feeling that I can’t shake,
Because you loved me…
Because you loved me, I justified every lie you told me
I likened your jealousy to the authentic care I needed.
Because you loved me, I mistakened every kiss you gave me
I likened your manipulation to the advice I didn’t ask for.
“Because I love you, I’m all you need.”
I isolated myself for you,
but failed to realize you had already left me desolate.
You made me lose the trust of everyone near me.
Because you loved me, I stayed in the comfort of intoxication.
I likened your insecurities to the need of reassurance.
Because you loved me, I loved you back.
I likened your fists of fury to caring touches.
“Because I love you, I left.”
I lost myself for you,
But still, I learned to admire the pain in the journey.
You made me ask why my heart ached for someone like you...
Then I realized, “Because I loved you.”
But I love me first.
I have a newfound appreciation for the plummet,
I have another experience, but not a mistake;
Because I know love is imperfect.