When I learned how to not love you

I learned how to love myself

When I learned a prison doesn’t have to have bars

I realized I was free to fly to the stars

When I learned the rules of the game

I realized it was a game I didn’t have to play

When I learned that I was strong

I realized I’d be okay on my own

When I learned to laugh in the face of adversity

I realized my circumstances do not control me

When I learned my feelings could not be ignored

I realized I was made for so much more

When I learned I no longer needed you

I realized what I needed to do

When I learned years of love can be thrown away for a day of fun

I realized that our hopes and dreams were done

When I learned I still had hopes and dreams

I realized things weren’t as bad as they seem

When I leaned to give God complete control

I realized he could make my broken pieces whole

When I learned it was okay to cry

I realized it was time to say goodbye

When I learned how to not love you

I realized I always had the power to choose

When I learned how to love myself

I realized I did not belong in hell