EMBERS OF DECEPTION

Betrayal, gossip, slander, a friendly enemy;

A smile upon your pretty face had me easily deceived. 

I've bent over backwards, damn near broke my spine;

Just to be another bridge you planned to burn with time.

Your facade was so convincing, you surely had me fooled;

You left me standing in the ashes of lies and ridicule.

Embers burn with treachery, coals infused with loathe;

Flames dance upon my naked flesh as I'm stripped of all my clothes.

Vulnerable and nude I stand, devoid of understanding;

A morbid lack of knowledge, a pain far too demanding.

My trust in you was plentiful, my eager heart was blind;

Oblivious to your wicked ways, to which you are confined.

The haunting truth of your betrayal cuts deep into my soul;

Creating lacerations of which you will never know.

But I must remain an optimist, endure a temporary cost;

For you're the one who suffers most from this inconsolable loss.

You have cut the ties, you see, the rope is severed through;

Despair will plague your bitter heart as you consume this truth.

Yes, I will forgive you, a grudge I will not hold;

I've reconciled with dignity, I've emerged from lies you've told.

I have found my inner peace, I've found solace in my pain;

For it has made me stronger, and courageous I'll remain.

Another war I've conquered, a morbid lesson learned;

No vengeance do I plan to seek, for you will have your turn.

You'll be vulnerable and naked, burned by perpetual flames;

And etched amongst the embers will rest my precious name...

--Kelly Marie Gregory--❤❤❤