i met you when my backpack still had keychains on it
when the future was a joke we both laughed at
like we were invincible
or maybe just too young to know we weren’t.

we laughed like nothing could touch us.
shared secrets like we had time.
fought like siblings, loved like fools.
i was unarmed. and you came in smiling.

your love was a glass.
not fragile, but sharp.
transparent enough to make me think
i could see the truth in it.
i held it anyway, stupidly proud.

and you?
you shattered it in my hands.

you made promises like they were toys
then blamed me for the pieces in your palm.
said you had no choice.
said you felt broken too.
said i asked for too much.
when all i asked was for you to stay.

you always put yourself first.
then told me i was selfish
for noticing.

you taught me how to fly,
just so you could cut my wings midair.
i never gave you reasons.
you gave me lists.
like this was a court case
and not my heart on trial.

there were two hopes.
one for us, one for you.
you picked yours,
walked away with your chin high
and my hope bleeding behind you.

and now i laugh, too.
but differently.
with a mouth full of glass.