I'M ALWAYS STRONGER

than I think I'll be, stronger
than this sorrow, than denial
or projection, stronger than
the wounds that you inflict
with distance and indifference,
even stronger than my own desire,
stronger than the stories we
both tell about the reasons
none of this can work, stronger
than broken promises and dreams
that die a slow death, strong
enough to come to you with failing
hope when silence is our only
solace, strong enough to leave.

© Joan Barton, 1999

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