+All of the words in my heart
I wrote down for you that day
You walked away; We're world's apart
But I will have my say.

You knew back then I loved you
I hope you know it now
I hope you read this letter
From me to you somehow.

I tried so hard to love you
You tried to drown me with my tears
And now you've left an empty shell
Used and abused for years.

You twisted everything I said
I lied to save myself
And now I'm taking back my heart
From that small box on the top shelf.

You wanted more than I could give
I gave more than I should
I loved you more than you could know
In ways you misunderstood.

And now we're left here at this place
Where monsters live and grow
And you've taken all the light I had
Left me aching in shadow.

But today I have found the one
Who makes my heart sing true
Still I find it rather sad
That one could not be you.

You've asked me why I couldn't say
All that was in my heart
The truth is that you never cared
And tore my world apart.

I expected more from you than lust
You expected me to obey
But I'm no longer meek and mild
No matter what you say.

These words are pointless now, I know
You'll never read or see them
But new love has come and stole my heart
And you could never be him.

I'll burn this when I'm done with it
Tear it to tiny pieces
I'm no longer that sad girl
I'm a brand new species.

I wish you well and hope that soon
You find one you don't hate
But somehow in my heart I know
You'll realize that too late.

And as I sit here thinking
Wondering why I still care
I guess the simple truth is
I'd hoped you'd still be there.

But love has turned to hatred
I want nothing more from you
I'll grasp this new love with both hands
Accept it as my due.

Tomorrow may be different
I may care again
But I'll never let you in again
To fill my heart with pain.

Good-bye, my long lost lover
Good-bye, my heart's regret
I can forgive your sins now
But never will I forget.+

It took me about 3 total hours to complete this piece. There are a few flaws, I know. But, in this instance, the flaws were intentional. Over 3 years ago now, I was with someone I loved very much. However, I was never good enough for him. Physically, mentally, or emotionally. I've been carrying around that pain like so much baggage, to the point that sometimes I felt people should be able to look at me and see something wrong with me physically. My husband has helped me come a long way from those sad moments and he has helped me to all but completely erase the effects of what this man did to me. This is sort of my farewell piece to my old life. I've found that I no longer want revenge for the pain he caused. I don't want to hurt him and I don't care about him anymore. So, this piece is personal on many levels. The poem is my own work, please do not use the image or the poem without permission. Thank you.

Dedicated to any woman who has ever been in an abusive relationship and had her heart trampled on by someone she tried to love with everything inside of her. One day the shadows fade away, just like the bruises, and you can see the light again. Never give up hope because without hope, you have nothing. Love yourself first and damn any man who cannot love you for you, flaws and all.

Credit:

Model: `Hanratty-Stock with special thanks to ~Cutoutstock for the pre-cut model.
Paper: ~katharienstock
Background: ~Rowi-Stock
Texture: *ro-stock
Poem: =perilous-dreamer