This House We Built

This house we built 

Was not meant to last.

It barely survived

Our painful past.

You were the architect

I followed your lead,

But you did not want

Me to actually succeed.

I thought us a team

But that was a lie,

To keep me small,

Something you deny.

Outside it looks pretty,

The house we built.

But on the inside

It’s seeped with guilt.

I’ve tried to fix it up

With time and care,

But you demolished 

All attempts at repair.

I wish we could rebuild

This house brand new,

But I’ve tried that path,

There’s no pleasing you.

So I’m packing up

Not sure either of us won.

But knowing I must leave

For this to be done.

The house is now gone

Marked by a solemn grave.

This journey was hard

But also incredibly brave.

Written by Amanda Durocher

8.7.24 / 10.31.25