Free As Can Be

Now you’re not here

I won’t shed tears

I have no fears

You can’t hurt me.

I was a fool

And just a tool

Under your rule

I’m just a wee.

Lies and deceit

Bread and no meat

Endless conceit

Just didn’t see.

Gaslit to death

To my last breath

Toxic breadth

Bad place to be.

Like a flat tire

Or a wild fire

A fear inspires

I was your flea.

Then I got smart

Looked in my heart

Saw from the start

On bended knee.

I was your joke

Each word you spoke

To harm and poke

An endless spree.

Then, had my say

I went away

One winter day

I had to flee.

Now, a new life

You’re not my wife

Clear of the strife

Truly, I’m free.

Each day and night

Inspired, I write

My former flight

As my decree.

No more I’ll take

Someone who’s fake

Or major flake

That is the key.

A while myself

Not on a shelf

Or used up elf

Finally me…

-AAA 07/31/2024

eM oveL I

Art by Lili Zeng

Loving yourself isn’t just ideal,

It is absolutely necessary

We all do have appeal

Not the contrary.

Knowing your value

Will save your life

In everything that you do

Preventing strife.

Hold on fast

To all your goals

The bad times won’t last

Though it takes a toll.

Push on hard

Through the fire

Even if needing restart,

On life’s high wire.

Be ever present

And live in the now

Drop your past resentment

As you push and plough.

Reap the happiness

Living your best life now

Share with all who’ll witness

Applied lessons and know-how.

-AAA 07/01/2024