Soft center, waiting for your caresses.

Second layer, pausing, questioning, one eyebrow raised.

Next, upright stance, direct-facing…what is this bullshit?

Layer four, nothing adds up. Your actions aren’t matching your words.

Layer on top of layer…nothing is getting through this shield. I don’t trust you…your projections are making me crazy.

STOP

Back to square one…five steps back…

Shock, this love wasn’t true.

Denial, he must just need some time, loving when the time is right.

Bargaining, what can I do to change and be better?

Depression, he ain’t comin’ round, nothing was real. It was all a scam.

Acceptance…peace of mind that life ain’t what we thought…

But movin’ anyway.

We know what this is.

This is growth. This is movement.

These are lessons meant to move us into the next realm.

Growin’ ain’t graceful; it definitely is painful.

But what I become will prove I am grateful.

Love is my future.

Love is my destiny.

Love just is.