i avoided the facts
and played ignorance,
dodging any further
complication or involvement.

i avoided wanting
to be around you,
running from the powerlessness
your sadness caused.

i avoided telling you
that i loved you,
because i could not
handle your dependence.

i built this
home without you.
in hopes that you can get
own life together.

i loved you.
just not as much
as you did.

empathy.
sympathy.
compassion.

not you.
Me.
not i.
We.