Shattered Grace

You asked me to leave your place—

And I didn't walk out with a brazen face.

I clutched dreams already torn and frayed,

And knew too well: neither love nor respect had stayed.

Had I said the same words to you,

You wouldn't have been wounded through and through.

Because deep within, you’ve always known—

This house was yours, and yours alone.

All other truths? Just claims in name,

While I lived here—barely a part of the frame.

As I stand guilty of strangling my own worth,

Promise me to never paint this house as “ours” again, wrapped in mirth.

Staying in your home will remain my greatest crime,

And with it, I bid farewell to my dignity, for the last time.

Surprisingly, not you or I are the gravest at fault—

It’s those who’ll seize the moment, driven by greed's assault—

Those who’ll prey on me or our children’s need—

Yes, they are the real culprits behind this deed.

Amita Joshi