Sometimes, to spare your soul from fire,
you must walk away, not out of anger
but to keep love from curdling into hate.

Don’t cling to those who see you
as shadow, not light,
who forget the gift of your presence.

There is a quiet power in leaving
with your head held high,
when your heart has been dragged low.

Dignity is not pride
it is the prayer you say
when love no longer says it back.

Amen.