When you said that I didn’t communicate with you well enough, 

we promised to both work on it. 

Then you went about telling our problems to somebody else.

You complained that you never felt like a priority, 

when all I ever did was put you first.

I prioritized your happiness over mine 

while the fire inside me slowly died.

We joked about ourselves being toxic since there had been so many comments.

I guess I simply wanted to ignore them.

Scared to leave our relationship, afraid to be the person responsible for ending it, 

I was worried I couldn’t do it, wouldn’t find another, and that I might lose you forever.

You accused me of emotionally cheating on you.

Maybe I did or maybe you were controlling.

I know the one before me had you hurting badly, 

but you didn’t have to use it as an excuse for your jealousy.

The flames within me would not stop fading.

You said every couple had their ups and downs, so I figured it was fine. 

Then I confided in our friends because I began to doubt.

Speaking my truth and always following it up with an apology 

as if I was concerned with bothering you with my very valid feelings.

Seeking their help and listening but never doing -

the wood was barely burning; there was practically no heat emanating.

I am on a path, 

running in the right direction now.

I have broken free 

to regain myself.

I have struck a match 

with the intent to bring my power back.

Embers are pretty, but I want to burn dangerously. 

I deserve someone who will embrace my fury with equal ferocity.