To My Expectations

It’s been a while since we spoke last,

three years now.

Since then I’ve realized you were

a flame that I constantly fed

with pieces of myself just to preserve you

and the false hope of you actually returning the favor.

You are the reason that I’ve not expected much of

anyone.

You’re why I'm slow to trust and quick to anger.

Because once upon a time I had welcomed you with open arms,

but was left to embrace

nothing.