'Forgive and Forget'.
It's as easy as uttering the phrase.
Breathe deep! Count to ten,
remember the love that was there.
So I try.
I promise, I really, really try.

Forgive the names they called me.
Forgive the labels that stuck.
Forgive their expectations that were so high -
or maybe I had sunk to low.

Forget the lonely nights
Forget how they tore down my values,
with their opinions,
until it was easier to just give in.
Forget that giving in is like any skill,
It becomes easier with practice.

They say,
'Stop blaming others!'
'Take responsibility'
'Don't be so soft!'
'Forgive and forget.'
forgive and forget.

Forgive the way your words stung.
Forgive the way your words didn't slur when you got drunk,
but turned sharp,
harsh and firey.
Forgive how you launched your love, laced with guilt;
tiny bullets that burrowed themselves into my ribcage,
detonating.
Shattering me to pieces.
Forgive how you put me back together exactly how you wanted me.
Your perfect vision.

Forget and smile through the numbness
Forget how your hands were like fire,
Not hot with passion but with pain.
Burning a path through my skin,
leaving marks where nobody could see.
Forget how you called them special.
Forget how you called them mine.

Forgive and forget until you are giving everything
Until you feel hollow
Until you don't know how to smile,
without first bracing in fear.
Until you only know what it's like to be a husk.

Forgive and Forget
Search for that love that was once there.
Breathe deep! Count to ten!
It's as easy as uttering the phrase.