To a boyfriend from long ago:

Looking back on things, you were foul

You spouted lies, 

Painted false pictures with black and white 

when you knew I preferred color.

Everyone around me turned into broken record players. 

"He's a liar"

"He's tearing us apart"

"Can't you see that he's manipulating you"?

On and on, 

Constantly going through a CD that would only rewind and repeat itself. 

Back then, with ignorance, my love for you 

wasn't some game you could pick up at 12 am and forget the next day.

The warnings back then didn't matter to me--

And now, with dilligence,

my flounderings and misconceptions of your possible human decency

have been cleared. 

You were shrewd, but

Without an ounce of regret, 

there was a time 

When I was head over heels for someone like you--

And I don't despise that part of me,

or you. 

We've shared memories, ties, bonds, 

through thick and thin,

and no matter how bad you've been, 

All I can feel is a sense of thanks. 

I mean, you taught me what to avoid, after all.

So: thanks. 

For giving me the chance to meet you. 

I wouldn't go through it again, but as I continue to grow, 

flourish, 

become better,

I have learned and will continue to move forward. 

Hopefully you will, too. 

- From a girl who has no regrets.