Evolve by Valerie Parente

You’re not the love of my life
You’re just a writing prompt
Someone to empathize
While I learn to grow up.

You haven’t wasted my time
You gave me a new start
Memories that will align
With the person I become.

No I haven’t left behind
The person that I was
And learning by your side
Is what helped me evolve.

You taught me what it’s like
To have respect for myself
And I finally feel alright
Without someone else.

– Valerie Parente (8-11-2019)