before me
you would not stand up for yourself
retaliation was not an option
you shuddered at the thought of confrontation
using your pacifism as an excuse
allowing them to walk on you
before me
weakness

now
you're trying so hard to leave me
taking every shot at me you can
building up your defenses
pulling guns out of your arsenal
using my openness against me
now
anger

after me
I'm still inside you
with every stab to my heart
you prove my point
I gave you that strength
that you're using against me
after me
I'm still inside you

there is no "after me"

01/10/2003

Author's Note: This is the adaptation of a journal entry ("honestly") I posted. Lori Johnson said - hey kid, make it a poem - so I did. I'm not totally happy with it. I don't think enough's been said. But it's a start.

Posted on 01/10/2003
Copyright © 2025 Emily G Myers