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A Reckless Co-Dependency


I bear the cross of your failure as if it were my own
failure, my seduction by lofty, unrealistic goals.
I endure a shame I cannot seem to release or atone
for, I cannot seem to address the wound on my soul.
I chafe under the penalty imposed without restraint
that your weakness delivered to me without cause.
I watched you go down with few, if any, complaints,
and I made apologies for you so often without pause.

I am transformed by the responsibilities you ignored,
those mawkish sentiments you ridicule and disdain.
I stood silent as you cast off all you could not afford,
daughters, families, dreams you now dare not name.
I protected your interests for so long I finally began
to ignore my own, and subvert my point of view.
I now renounce your strategies, and turn my hand
to a life resplendent, a perspective brilliant and new.