Written at WRITE ON!

Written at WRITE ON! is a series of articles written by participants during a WRITE ON! workshop, and shared with the community.

Maggie Batt wrote this during Kind Fools’ July 11, 2024 WRITE ON! at CAO’s Masten Resource Center.

Full Stop.

To tell the truth would be to say
It was beautiful to hear from you.
To see your name pop up on my screen
And your words written in such an inviting way.

The truth would be to say
That my heart lit up — it’s been so long since I’ve seen you
And I knew with a quick exchange,
I could see you again.

But if I’m telling the truth…
I would say it also brought up hurt.
Because the reason we stopped talking
is because you ghosted.
My last message went unopened.
Or maybe you read it…?
But I’d never know it.

If I’m telling the truth,
That sobered me quickly.
The high slowly faded when I asked what had happened.
You sound so surprised
And act like you’re confused.
You say you “never saw it”—
And quickly pay another compliment.

But if I’m telling the truth,
I know you just didn’t.
And I won’t pretend
I didn’t notice.

There’s a younger version of me that would.
I’d see the best in you and of the situation.
I’d accept your explanation
And flutter at your flattery.

But this older version won’t.
Her wounds made her wiser.
I won’t accept lies in the name of love —
Even if it means being “alone.”
Because if I’m telling the truth,
That alone isn’t lonely — in fact, it’s lovely.
And far more fantastic
Than the mental gymnastics
I’d perform keeping up with your stories.


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