I am my own

I accepted the invitation 

from the one 

who disrespected me

a lifetime ago; 

that young girl 

remembered, 

watched

quietly, 

waiting for the apology 

that never came,

only more disregard, 

and I wondered

why

I was there. 

I thought I brought kindness, 

but gave access instead.

I remembered the sweetness, 

ignored the behavior

the rejection, 

then finally understood 

the lesson

with perfect clarity:

access and kindness

are separate things.