Cutting The Knot (Poetry)

You took a vital piece of me —
stole it for a token
a tiny part that’s aching still
sad trophy cracked and broken

What once was yours you valued less
my heart a trifle (clearly)
nothing given freely held
as precious — looked on dearly

But once my gift was taken back
possessiveness persuaded
you’d thieve your share — the spoils of war
since bitterly paraded

I’ve claimed myself no longer slave
to you or love’s delusion
but fight to rescue who I was
mind cleansed of need’s confusion

The prize you won — no effort spent
is stripped of former glory
yours was the sword, but mine’s the pen
who strikes you from our story

The deed is done — we’ll separate
the future — calmly sever
each memory of flesh you stole
old scars won’t sting forever.