Self Betrayal

I gave chances never earned,

Was loyal even when it burned,

Buying potential posing as truth,

Freely giving up the proof.

I stayed when every part said leave,

Convinced that love could still retrieve,

Thought holding on was what strength meant,

While all my peace was being spent.

I wrote excuses late at night,

Defending wrong in dimming light,

Held promises that broke on cue,

Fought battles they would never do.

It wasn’t deception that left me broke,

But recognizing what I chose,

I turned against myself to hold,

A bond that left my spirit cold.

Cathrine Hottran 2025