This Time - Poetry By Ryan O'Keefe

-
This time I'm choosing me and I'm letting you go.
Releasing a grip on a future, that now I'll never know.
My stubbornness to keep fighting for you stunted our ability to grow.
This time I made a promise to myself,
I'm going to reclaim my mental health.
Accept my new reality and play the cards that I've been dealt.
This time I'm falling in love with the idea of my potential.
This should not have been yours.
Identifying and confronting my demons is essential.
That's my job, it was never yours.
This time I'll be clear on the values that are important to me.
Stand on the boundaries I set and defend them consistently.
So I can recognize red flags in people and place them accordingly.
This time I'll be emotionally matured, evolved and better equipped.
I promise to navigate this next chapter with integrity, honor and grit.
Attract, never chase. I know my person is waiting to treat my heart like a gift.
This time it will be different. We both have a second chance.
This is the last gift I can give to you, as you showed me where I stand.
I'm setting you free, so you can find another me, I hope he's a better man.
This time was never meant for us as hard as I tried.
I lost myself pouring into you and put my growth aside.
I have to let the person I created, the father, your husband, die.
This time it's forgiveness for myself and gratitude for you.
Thank you for teaching me what I need and showing me the truth.
That you were never mine and only you can be responsible for you.
This time is all about me searching for the better me.
Understanding that I'm not afraid to sacrifice who I am, to be who I need to be.
Grateful to be alive and surprised that I had the strength and courage inside of me.
This time I'm free from the burden of toxicity.
This time I'm giving love unconditionally.
This time I will respectfully consider to the future me.

Poetry Written By

Ryan O'Keefe

Poetry Published By

Eryn Dunbar

Comments

Neville said…
That's the hardest part of letting go of people, the potential that should have been realized. But stifling tears in the middle of a workday is just too painful. Letting go physically but also mentally takes a long ass time lol
September 25, 2024 at 5:15 AM
Eryona Writes! said…
I completely agree, Neville! From my own personal experience, I was mentally already done and moved on but physically withdrawing from the relationship and situation, took much much longer.
September 25, 2024 at 11:19 AM
Justice13james said…
Written very well, it's hard closing a door to part of your life
October 10, 2024 at 12:47 PM
Eryona Writes! said…
This writer is just amazing to me. What he has already been able to overcome especially through writing about it...He just blows me away!
October 10, 2024 at 5:45 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE PATH TO MY HEART

-
Image
The Path To My Heart I gave you a map. It led straight to my heart. But you took the paper, And ripped it apart. Did I walk away? No, I lived in the lie. I gave you more chances. I thought you would try. But I guess that my map, Just leads to heartbreak. A pain so damn deep, A chasm of ache. So I’ve made a new map. One just for me. No twists to avoid. It will make me happy. I’ll follow this path. And I’ll take every turn. Till the pain is all gone. And I don’t feel the burn. And I'll reclaim my power. I'll reclaim my light. And I'll finally remember, That I'm worth the fight. Original Poetry Written By Eryn Dunbar Copyright (c) 7.9.2025
Read more

THE TRUTH OF LOVE

-
Image
  The Truth Of Love Love means giving someone freedom While nurturing your bond And although it is magical It’s not made with a wand It isn’t built on fairy dust Or sealed with just a kiss It takes deep roots and daily care To grow a love like this It’s not control or ownership It’s not a silent war Real love will never cage your wings It will only help you soar It holds you close, yet lets you breathe It lifts, but doesn’t bind It sees your flaws and loves you still With honesty that’s kind It won’t be perfect every day And sometimes it feels tough But even through the hard and raw You’ll know that it’s enough So if you find a heart like this That helps you rise above Then hold it close, and honor it You’ve found the truth of love Original Poetry Written By Eryn Dunbar Copyright (c) 8.21.2025
Read more

FOOL'S GOLD

-
Image
  FOOL'S GOLD Never again You won’t see my face The way you treat others Is such a disgrace Your essence is toxic Your lips drip with lies You’re selfish and hateful Beneath your disguise You’re like a fungus A spore or black mold You think you’re a gem But you’re just fool’s gold You’re made up of layers But even snakes shed their skin You’re not only noxious You’re the eighth deadly sin It took at most months And not several years To see how you prey Upon everyone’s fears You find out their secrets Then laugh as you share Breaking their hearts They just laid out bare But here’s a little something  I guess you didn’t know Those others you talk to See how you dim their glow They like themselves more Than they’ll ever like you They’ll have long walked away Before you’ll have your first clue So go wear your charm And spin your tall tales The ship that I’m on Has long set its sails Now I’ve risen up And I’ve slammed the door I won't allow you to imprint On my life  ANYMORE O...
Read more