This is a follow up poem to "If" tilted "When" as I transition from if to when I heal.
The first lines of each stanza are the same as in my poem "If" aside from swapping out if for when. Each line of both poems end in the same word. This was a therapeutic penning. (Unsure why it won't let me space my stanzas) "When" I wonder what I will say when given the chance, I will rise above this nightmare, taking my final stance. I will make myself larger than any of our fights, I will show up strong and proud, revealing my might. I wonder what I will do when I see you in town, I will deny you the power of even giving me a frown. I will close myself off from any pain and lock right in, reminding myself of your indiscretions and past sins. I wonder what I will feel when you truly say "I'm sorry", I will take a pause, not allowing these eyes to become starry. I will accept it cautiously, knowing that it's too late, our paths which once crossed toxically is not my fate. I wonder what I will feel like in a few years, I will know it was meant to end, no longer spilling tears. I will no more be subjected to one who does not give me thought, in the manipulation, lies, and pain, no longer will I be caught. I wonder what I will think of when I lay upon my deathbed, I will hear my loved ones voices, their laughter, all they've said. I will look at my good memories, rewinding again and again, I will ponder life's meaning, my course, and where it all began. I know what I will do when I truly let go, I will speak my story truthfully assuring that you know, I did not end up spending my life bitter and alone, rather, love and peace, compassion and strength is what I will have shown. Ā©ļø Amy Lynn 4/12/26