There is a kind of violence in dishonesty,

Of things said and not said…

Left up to interpretation.

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That violence upon me creates a war in my mind of interrogation and overthinking.

I seek answers from false actions instead of truth unspoken.

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Sometimes that violence brings tears to my eyes…

The salty bloodshed of confusion,

An assault on my reality meant to twist my experience and perceptions…

So as not to view the perpetrator in a bad light.

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A truce, an understanding, lies underneath the blanket of lies…

Attempting to cover up the wounds of the liar.

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Doesn’t he know that only exposure can possibly heal him?

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Our natural instinct when facing tough things or situations is avoidance,

But warriors don’t become heroes without going to battle.

They must earn the title of warrior by getting dirty and fighting their tendencies to run away.

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The scars of my heart have sincerely made me stronger,

But not without certain sacrifices, namely the desire to remain open to love…

To the idea that love doesn’t have to come at a cost.

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To go to battle is to fight for our healing so that we don’t perform the violence of insincerity towards others.

The term “pick your battles” means we fight for the good in us to be exposed and to defeat the knee-jerk urges of our hurt, insecurity, and false self.

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When people are not forthright and honest with you, cut them off.

The upheaval that lies and misdirection create are not worth your time and energy.

When someone loses your respect in that way, it is a long arduous road back and you rarely find it.

Forgive in your heart and move on.