A Letter of Closure

One year ago today, you calmly walked away.
And with every step you took, our memories began to fade.
The problems grew in number and the bad is what was left.
But I never saw it coming, you can't prepare for such a theft.
The life I knew was over, you stole it when you disappeared.
I could only stand in shock until the smoke began to clear.
You were so destructive, every action like weapons thrown.
I felt helpless and stripped of power, a pain I've never known.
I couldn't see the light at the end of tunnel I now called life.
And I couldn't stop the bleeding once I removed your knife.
I gave you everything I had, and you tossed me out like trash.
The rollercoaster was finally over, but I had severe whiplash.
How do you start over when you're youth is gone?
I couldn't even find the strength for me to carry on.
They say that time has ability to heal the deepest wound.
I was sure that was impossible on the island I was marooned.
My strength was building every day and soon I found fresh air.
Breathing became much easier without your burden for me to bear.
Days crept by and I found myself buried in the dust.
I had forgotten who I was after years of your unjust.
I started to rebuild myself one day at a time.
Recovering from falling victim to your vicious crime.
I packed my world in boxes and my children in my car.
I headed south to start again, I needed to be far.
Far from you and us and far from everything that was we.
No matter what you wanted you were out of chances with me.
It's been one year today, and it's hard to remember us.
That wound you caused has healed. No blood, no scar, no pus.
I used to harbor anger, and revenge was what I sought.
Karma will take care of things. I won't give you one more thought.
I am happier without you than I ever thought I'd be.
What I thought was theft, only ever set me free.
Free from everything that used to drag me down.
Free from a life at home alone, a 3 story ghost town.
I might be a single mom, but it isn't all that new.
I'd raised these kids alone for years, so I owe you a thank you.
A thank you for showing me that I didn't need you there.
Thanks to you for making sure that I was well prepared.
Thank you for screwing up, so I could head out on my own.
What didn't kill me made me stronger, and showed me how I'd grown.
You never did deserve me, or all I did for you.
So thanks for letting me do me after years of only you.
As I celebrate today and my freedom from your chains,
I'd like to thank you for the suffering and pain.
The hurt and hardships that I faced is over now.
A year apart complete and now it's time for brand new vows.
I vow to make this painless, I vow to make it quick.
The ink will soon be dry, and the tension not so thick.
I vow to always look ahead, and never look behind.
Because after all of this I think I've earned a little peace of mind.
I wish you well, and hope that your skies are never gray.
So long to the headache that I called marriage...
Sincerely,
The One Whom You Betrayed