I have placed

So much energy…

Dignity…

Self-respect…

In you.

You were the keeper

And the measuring stick

Of my self worth

For years.

You have shamed me

If I stayed away too long

And bit down on my brain

In early August.

You convinced me

I would forget

My mastery

In the heat of

A quiet

summer afternoon.

I was wrong.

And so are you.

I am more

Than my employment.

My talents will not dissolve

In my Saturday afternoon coffee.

I am worthy of love

Off the clock.

I will no longer drink

From your workaholic

wellspring.

See you Monday.

…bitch.