Keep Fighting?

Art by Leroy Campbell

When you're the rock, you tumble when the kids struggle. Tears break you slowly. Causing trouble as you crumble. Wife shaking, holding hands in prayer so the relationship doesn’t turn to rubble.

A broken man is a weapon with bad intentions. Tearing others apart because he doesn’t know how to help—a lie used to escape problems because he won’t battle himself.

I know what’s next. But I won’t say. I won’t lure the pain. Not even to stop hurting you, Hurt brings revenge. And I don’t want to be the excuse for more suffering. I want to be the healing, helpful end.

I try not to start again, but I saw you struggle and suffer. I’m what you needed to cut loose. You refused. But you cut your eye at me, and it hurt more than hate. You can no longer pretend to love—so my rage never ends.

And I continue to hurt us, end love, and start again.