You didn’t mean it, I know,
But knowledge doesn’t salve the wound.
Nor understanding ease the hurt.
You made a promise —
Gave me your word.
Then reneged, without so much as a solitary regret.
Leaving me to hold down the fort.
Tie up loose ends.
Survive.
So don’t think you can come back on special occasions
Like the holidays
And everything will be as it was before.
Because I’ve moved on.
I’m stronger, braver,
And refuse to allow toxic people access to me.
No regrets, no looking back,
What’s done can’t be undone.
Mercifully, no one dies from betrayal.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Very well written. Betrayal is horrible and you have described it so well. Toxic people need to be avoided at all costs. Stay strong.
Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts, Beth Ann. I think one of the interesting things about poetry as a form of expression is how different people come away with different impressions after reading!
Betrayal is a terrible thing to experience. Your words describe it well.
Thanks, Suzi. We’ve all been there, huh?
Very powerful, Debbie. it’s amazing what a few words can convey. I call toxic people “energy vampires”. Best to steer clear of them. And yes, no one dies of betrayal. Hang in there, my friend.
“Energy vampires.” YES!! I love that expression, Kathy, and will have to remember it! Thanks for your high praise, my friend.
Beautifully written.
Ah, there you are! Thank you, Katybeth. I don’t know why this one insisted on coming forth in poetic form, but it did. Odd, I know, and far from my usual ramblings.
And kharma is a bitch. This says so much with so few words. Powerful writing – I feel the hurt and I feel the strength.
I’m glad BOTH came through, Barb. The former without the latter would be a depressing place to exist, don’t you think? Thanks for the encouragement.
This is so powerful. I love the “I’m stronger, braver…” part. That’s awesome.
Thank you, Professor. That’s my favorite part, too!
It’s a warrior-like line!
It is, huh? Well, yes, I can see that. Thanks for the encouragement!
WOW, WOW, WOW! What a powerful piece, Debbie! And this is something that we all can relate to. It’s very hard to trust after being betrayed, but I find that holding on to those feelings only stops one from being open. We have to be willing to put ourselves out there to be open again because if we don’t, it keeps us a prisoner to the one who betrayed us. I think it’s possible to let go of toxic people; learn the lesson, and then move on.
WELL-written, my friend!!!
X
Thanks so much, Ron, and you’re so right — releasing the “bad feelings” is the best way to ensure we won’t be held hostage! And, whether the betrayal occurred at the hands of a romantic interest (or someone else, as in my case) doesn’t much matter. Hurt is hurt, but moving on is empowering!
Hope you’re having a spectacular week, my friend!
The experience is one we’ve all had, and the poetry is wonderful. You brought to mind one of my favorites, and one of my favorites of her songs — Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.” She captures the sense of your poem beautifully, or you captured the heart of her song.
Awesome, Linda — thanks so much for the video! It’s a good thing there were English subtitles, for I wouldn’t have understood a word, but golly, I love to hear music in a different language than English. I remember singing Spanish and German songs in choir — and don’t even ask because I can’t tell you what I was singing, ha!
Your praise makes me blush, my friend — thank you!
Wonderful poem! Glad to see another poem from you… looks like you’re taking to the form 🙂 Betrayal does hurt, but I see victory in being able to move on because it dissolves any control that person had over us.
Thanks so much, Janna. Moving on does allow one to feel more in control, stronger, and more capable. Glad you liked it!
Trouble with the ex? Let’s just say this feels like I could’ve written it. Fits my story to a T. Not that I’m bragging, but I feel your pain and your strength. It takes a lot to overcome such betrayal and be the better for it. Very well done, Debbie. I’m so proud of you!
Looking back over this one, I can see where most people would think this is an ex, Monica. Let me just say right here, right now — it’s not. In fact, while it’s entirely true, it’s somebody closer than an ex. And let’s just leave it at that. I don’t want to have to look the guilty party in the eye and whistle, y’know?! Thanks for empathizing, too!
You come across so strong and I believe it to be true. Wonderful! Keep going… 🙂
Shucks, Audrey, ’tis I who am ecstatic you came by to read — and enjoyed what you found here! I’m taking it one day at a time. Sometimes I wake up all warrior-like; others, I’m mush. God isn’t finished with me yet!!
Sounds about right, ya know. We’re all a work in progress, my friend. ♡
Anyone who deals with toxic people in their lives can relate to your words, Debbie. Well said!
Thanks, Terri. The trick, I think, is to distance ourselves from the toxicity, if we’re able, that is!
Have you written poetry before, Debbie? Lovely. xxx
Bless you, Kim, for saying that! I used to write some rhyming verse when I was little (the musician in me coming out, I guess). I never felt really comfortable with it — I feel too vulnerable! — and I’ve never considered myself a poet. Fiction is where my heart really lies! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Oh my goodness, Debbie, why have you kept this gift hidden? This is not only powerful, but allows those of us who have been victims of betrayal, to relate and know we’re not alone in our feelings. You have perfectly captured what most of us have thought a hundred million times over–get out and stay out! I loved, loved this post, my friend! 🙂
Your praise humbles me, my dear friend — thank you, both for reading and for taking time to leave your thoughts!
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Thanks for linking to my post!