What I Did

I gave my hours, gave my breath,

Ignored the signs that spelled out death,

I poured my calm into their storm,

Believed my love could keep them warm.

I stayed while pieces broke inside,

Convinced my heart could turn the tide,

But love should not demand disguise,

Or steal the light behind my eyes.

I hoped they’d rise, I waited long,

But silence met what I made strong,

They never reached, they never tried,

I fed a fire that never replied.

I left, but didn’t lack the care,

I found my own reflection there,

I saw that love should not erase,

The self it claims, the soul it breaks.

Cathrine Hottran 2025