Take a Deep Breath: A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories

Ignited Me

Don't call me naive and don't call me a liar,
don't say it was a story in my head.
I know the way you looked at me, I am not a fool.
I know how your indifference left me dead.
Look at the way you left me, the bruises I can't hide.
Invisible to all but us; staining me inside.
How could you do it? Why did you run?
Together, we could have shined brighter than the sun.

But you left, but you shamed me;
you said I had lessons to learn.
You who once put me on top of the world,
now leaving my body to burn.
You had the power in your hand,
you held the match to me.
You could have stopped the flame;
you could have set me free.

I watch your life from afar,
seeing photos on my phone.
I ask about your heart now;
you tell me that you feel alone.
I've learned to heal from those burns,
but they have left me scarred.
I ask if you meant those words you sent,
but your silence keeps me barred.

You left, you shamed me,
you said I had lessons to learn.
You told me I was your heart,
but you left me there to burn.
I placed the power in your hand;
you held it easily.
You could have stopped the flame,
but you ignited me.

Though it's been months, and I've moved on,
I can still recall your touch.
When you looked into my eyes and said,
"I've loved you oh so much."

Then you left, and you shamed me,
for a past I couldn't turn.
You told me I was your heart, and then,
you left me there to burn.
All the power in your hands,
I gave you all of me.
You could have stopped the flame,
not treated us like a game;
but you chose to flee
when you ignited me.