Cognitive Dissonance

Some know the truth but love the lie,

A silent war behind the eye,

One part will plead, This can’t be right,

The other begs to hold on tight.

They wear it all like second skin,

Excuse the war they live within,

And think that love is meant to ache, 

That breaking down is worth the stake.

They question more than just the part,

Then doubt their judgment, soul, and heart,

Is asking more a selfish sin?

Is staying proof of strength within?

But truth, when buried, grows too loud,

It rises up beneath the shroud,

And what they fear they’ll come to see:

The pain of staying sets you free.

No scream, no storm, no sudden snap,

Just quiet hands will slip the trap,

And in the space where grief has grown,

They’ll meet the truth that stood alone.

Cathrine Hottran 2025