Weary, desolate I slowly remove your presence
from the walls of my soul

All the portraits vividly splashed with colors of hope
the amethyst figurines portraying our journey
the dreams forged by the heat of your vows
into brilliant, delicate orbs
the rich tapestry of gold, silver strands protectively woven
with healing sapphire fibers, shot through with joyous ruby threads
depicting the life your promises created
One by one I place them into the trunk carved for you
of enduring jade

Tears streaming unchecked
I close the lid and carry it to the furthest corner
of the darkest chamber of my soul
Hidden there from view
taken out only when my needing you clouds my judgement

Only then will I reverently remove each treasure
reminding myself of what fairytales truly are

Then, when each crafty vow cuts just as deep as the first time,
as every manipulative illusion hollows me out
I will once again neatly pack you away
piece by frayed piece
into that secret place carved by my hurt and your lies

There your lingering presence,
your fleeting memory will quietly reside

As those visits wane
when they lose their sting
I will become immune to you
and there you will remain locked away
Never to touch my soul again