when i was younger

when i was younger

i would do anything for love,

or the mirage

of love.

i'd cut my hair, part it on the other side,

wear the shoes

she preferred,

put on a shirt that i never

cared for.

i'd read

what she wanted me to read.

i'd move to  a different house.

i'd bend.

i'd eat yogurt,

i'd be quiet as a mouse,

and god forbid look

at another woman walking

by.

i'd open doors and send flowers

when it was time

to apologize

for things that had no end.

when i was younger,

i wanted love

or what i thought was love,

to last.

and now.

well. it's different.

i have found my true self.

true love is nothing like

what i thought it was.

i was on the wrong path.