The Girl You Knew Is Dead

I peer through the screen,

And glance at your life.

It appears you’re the same.

Still beautiful.

Still affluent.

Still popular.

You try to hide your true colors.

But the signs are all there,

That you’re still the same.

Still arrogant.

Still predatory.

Still sinister.

And as you’ve been the same,

I’ve been changing for years.

I’m entirely different.

No longer young.

No longer naïve.

No longer quiet.

For your predatory behavior,

It changed me on all levels.

The girl you knew is dead.

You killed her innocence.

You killed her trusting nature.

You killed her openness.

Her death took a toll on me.

It forced me to grieve,

And feel rage and sorrow.

It didn’t feel fair.

It didn’t feel just.

It didn’t make sense.

But now that she’s gone,

She’s been replaced,

By one who remembers.

Remembers her worth.

Remembers her connection.

Remembers her heart.

And this new version of me.

She forgives but doesn’t forget.

And she’s been biding her time.

Ever patient.

Ever cunning.

Ever resilient.

You won’t see it coming.

When I reenter the scene.

So, watch out.

I’m now wise.

I’m now strong.

I’m now empowered.

And I’m not finished

With this story you started.

And spoiler alert.

In the end, you get what’s yours.

In the end, I’m the hero.

In the end, I win.

Written by Amanda Durocher

4.2.25