Without you

I used to think it was the words
of a song that were so important
but now I find that I can not even listen
to the words, they hurt too much
now it is only the music that is important
just the music, the words are not even necessary
for emotion to be felt or understood

I used to think that you
were the missing half of me
that you completed me
that together we were one
but now I find that I was missing me
for I am a whole person
complete just the way I am

I used to think that
I could not live without you
that my world would end
that I would be totally devastated
but now I find that I am still alive
my world did not end
and I am not devastated

ever so slowly, I can feel a few
of my illusions dissolving
and now I find that I am stronger
and capable of so much more
than even I yet realize

these are a few things that
I have learned so far
without you

8.19.98