caught in the middle
of an epic battle

one soul
but I cast two shadows

one wants pleasure
the other pain

feathered wings
and an iron chain

one tells me
to take and take

one tortures me
until I break

one tells me
I can't get enough

one tells me
I am not enough

I do not know
which one is wronger

they only make
each other stronger

and I see
my true soul under

shadows falling
on each other

Memories linger, vivid as yesterday,
Yet slip through my fingers, like sand swept away.
Oh, to turn back the clock, to cradle the past,
To savor each moment, make every heartbeat last.
The world weighs heavy, a quiet disconnection,
Smiles wear thin, shadows breed introspection.
But in nature’s embrace, I find quiet release,
Where sea breezes murmur and forest songs bring peace.
In meadows of emerald, I rest with the bees,
Their soft hum a balm, their rhythm a breeze.
Through life’s restless chaos, I’ll carve out my way,
Guided by starlight on clear midnight’s stay.
And with every sunset, I’ll dance wild and free,
A quiet joy blooming, fierce inside me.

We were the couple.
Every relationships goal.
Front page, headline news
Now we are painfully polite.
We are familiar strangers.

I have retired from temptations of attention.
I’ve retired from the need to judge.
I’ve retired from feeling like I need that moment,
And I’ve retired from feeling too sad.

I have retired into a place of contemplation —
A place nearby, and where I sit.

I have retired from feeling guilty,
And I’ve retired from needing your yes.

I am retired.