Splinters in My Spine
Your grief carves jagged lines in my back,
Each sob a splinter, lodged and twisting.
I brace against the weight of your sorrow,
Its edges cutting deep, unrelenting.
I seethe beneath the burden I never chose.

Why must I bleed for you,
While love I cherish stands untouched?
His arms wait—empty, aching,
While my strength drains into your abyss.

I rage against your cries,
Your storm that strips me bare.
Do you not see my fractures,
Or the love you push aside?

But guilt grips my throat,
Its voice a relentless whisper:
Am I cruel to cast you away,
To claim my freedom at your cost?
I wonder if this pain is mine to bear,
A debt carved by the world’s sorrowful laws.

Yet, the world has taught me this:
Happiness favors the selfish hand.
Am I not allowed my joy,
To choose the light over your endless shadow?
I see his face in my heart’s quiet corners,
And know I cannot waste more time.

I won't drown for you anymore,
Not while my heart beats for another.
Your sorrow will not consume me,
Nor steal what’s still mine to give.

Let your tears fall where they may,
I cannot carry them with me.
For I am tired of breaking my body
To piece together your endless grief