He loved me
in soft mornings and long nights,
in sweet nothings whispered
under flickering lights.
He kissed my trauma
like it was art,
and I mistook his silence
for a careful heart.

At first, it felt real
like fate wore his cologne.
He studied my pain,
then made it his throne.
Told me I was safe,
told me I was seen
but every word
was washed in gasoline.

He gave just enough
to keep me close,
and lied so smooth
I drank each dose.
Said, “You’re the only one,”
with a look so still
but love that needs hiding
ain’t ever real.

The nights got colder
though he still held me near,
and I blamed myself
for every tear.
Gaslit till I glowed with doubt,
rewriting memories
he blurred out.

He called it love
what a clever disguise,
but his lips were laced
in a thousand lies.
He was the storm
pretending to be my shelter,
and I was the fool
that thought I could help him.

Now I lay alone
but finally free,
tracing the scars
where love used to be.
And if he ever wonders
why I let go
it’s ‘cause I fell in love
with a man I didn’t know.