Conflicted, where good and bad collide,
Thoughts run wild, a tempest in my mind's wide tide.
A part of me yearns to set boundaries, to be free,
To cease wearing my heart so openly on my sleeve.
Cherishing those who stand by me, through thick and thin,
Dismissing those who approach with a shallow grin.
Hard times reveal true friendships, steadfast and unending,
While good times unmask pretenders, their false smiles offending.
Fall on your face, reach out for a hand to lift you high,
You might be shocked to find the ones who freely comply.
I've been to rock bottom, broken and bruised,
Only to find my so-called friends were the ones who refused.
I trust but little, smile with the crowd,
Yet deep within, I know their loyalty can't be trusted.
Betrayal comes when least expected, a cruel surprise,
From those you thought are incapable of such hateful lies.
Not all that glitters is gold, I've come to understand,
They smile in your face, but plot behind your back, saying words they thought that can't be traced
They care not for your life, your suffering, your strife,
They seize any chance to break you, to cut you with a knife.
But know this, I am a warrior, I stand tall and strong,
I fight my battles silently, I won't let them cheer my wrongs.
I'll live to see you call upon me, when my presence is no more,
I'll leave you to time, for karma has harsher scores in store.
How can you betray the one who's been true, and laugh with those who don't even know you?
I'm learning gracefully to let go, to seek joy, peace, and truth.
Most of all, I'm learning to love me, to cherish my worth for all to see
For in this cold and chaotic world, finding me is the greatest rebirth that all will see
©audrey29
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