Is another thing entirely

In the worst possible way

Like ripples in a pond that have spread far beyond

By those you never expected

Listening to their feeble excuses

Hiding behind their smokescreens

Like mirages in the desert of indifference

Broken trust and dreams

The looks of pity and judgment

From being manipulated at will

Betrayal is overwhelming

Questioning the foundations of your worth

Facing uncertain futures

Trying to move on is a futile task

Like trying to hold water in your hands

All the upheaval and profound change

Causes the pain to linger

The ugly actions have left many scars

As the silence gets louder

And the emptiness inside grows

No amount of time can heal

So it seems

But finding happiness in the face of adversity

Leads to profound personal growth

Not only surviving but thriving

The hardest thing to do is the bravest

Is often where you find something more valuable

A sense of self respect and independence

Of strength and determination

Through struggles and victories

You have the strength to face whatever lies ahead.