A post shared by Audrey Reid (@awaudrey) on Nov 3, 2015 at 8:44pm PST

Despite the distance
between us,
despite the complications
of our love story,
I was constantly vigilant
about not giving up on you.

Throughout your presence,
and in every part of your absence,
I forced my soul
to hold onto you.

You’re a rose that I’ve wrapped
my hand around.
Although the thorns
have pierced my palm,
and although I have bled intensely,
I choose to focus on the beauty
of the petals.

But how long can we tolerate
a splinter in our skin?
How long can we focus on the good
when the bad continues to happen?

Today,
I choose to remove the splinters.

Today,
I choose
to give up on you.

A revolution is taking place
inside my being.
My soul is howling your name,
and my heart
is pumping your blood.

Today,
I turn a deaf ear
to every part of my body
that loves you.

I’m only listening
to my own sobbing,
and this is why
I’m giving up on you.

If there comes a point
that your love is making you suffer,
then it’s a love
not worth keeping.

I’m giving up on you,
because I’m holding on
to my own self.

Don’t hold onto me.
Give up on me,
the same way
I’m giving up on you.

Our love is futile.
What’s the point of love
if your lover is not with you?
What’s the point of the distance
if it won’t be reduced?
And what are complications for
if they won’t be alleviated?

I’m no longer vigilant.
I’m setting my soul free.
I’m giving up on you…
at last.

~

Author: Elyane Youssef

Image: @awaudrey on Instagram; awaudrey.com

Editor: Caitlin Oriel