How I Was Before
HOW I WAS BEFORE
I was soft once.
Soft enough to believe
an apology meant regret,
a promise meant forever,
and “I love you”
was something people said
because they meant it.
I handed people pieces of myself
without asking for them back.
I trusted like it was breathing.
Forgave like it was nothing.
Loved like I had an endless supply of it.
I didn't know kindness
could make you an easy target.
I didn't know some people
would smile while learning
exactly where you were weakest.
I was innocent.
And innocence, I learned,
is a beautiful thing
until someone decides to use it against you.
