Arlene Corwin writes

When I Left

When I left,

I didn’t have the means of entry

To an honesty that should have said,

Could have said,

“I loved you once, but now I don’t.

I do not love you anymore.”

Such simple words, and yet

I could not think of how to say them.

I, the wimp said, “Yes,”

Not making clear the “no” of un-conditionality.

Instead, I said,

“Well, in a way,” or, “like a friend.”

What was I thinking when

I really wanted it to end?

So cowardly.

Hidden somewhere among fears

I could not find an honesty -

Which only brought more tears.

Fear of hurting you?  No, it was

Weakness and hypocrisy, which

Given a like situation

I would never do, be, have again:

Saying yes when I mean no. 

I’d go,

But with more

Candor.

 I Don't Love You -- Michelle Skye Sailors