The End of Us: A Slam Poem

It was the end of us. The shrapnel, a swarm of single "k's" shredded us
until it was just you and me.
You wanted to keep me, with empty words like "You complete me."
Empty. Empty promises, you told me it was the last time four times ago.
Waking up to an empty bed, wondering who you had picked instead.

There were plenty of things I had to leave behind.
You held Eloise hostage, ransomed for a meeting.
The hand off was tense because you can't keep your hands off.
You forgot to water her, she won't recover.
You demanded answers, they can be found under your duvet cover.

The house was divided; our friends chose sides.
You took the ones deciding to abide by your indiscretion,
Or as you called it, a mistake
A mistake, like you fell into him.
Like you forgot your book at home and had to share with your neighbor
It's better than when you told me I was mistaken. No, that I was crazy.
Making me doubt my eyes, my brain wrapped up in your lies.

There was work to be done,
Blocking your number, removing bullets from that gun.
You left fifty-seven voicemails using your brother's phone
Screaming at me, that I left you alone.
Your boxing lessons paid off, splitting my lip because we split.
The police came even faster than you.
I spackled over the crater, swept the dry wall under the rug.
Our friends showed me your mug shot.
You looked the same as the first day I met you.

There was loneliness.
Our song plays and I cry into carrots in the middle of Shaws.
Some days I waver, remember the dates that started it all.
Such love at the beginning, so much further to fall.
My mom still asks about you, Have I seen you? Have I talked to you?
She still hopes you'll be her son after all I've been through.

I listened to your voicemails, now called evidence.
Some slurred, some trying to make bail, none making sense
"I'm sorry." "I'll do better." "I love you."
I deleted your voicemails. Office Blue has a copy.
I listened to Lemonade and Adele.
I wished you well even as you dragged me through hell.
You can't do the same. You won't stop until we share a last name.
You didn't accept the ring back, told me to keep it.
You want my hand but I'll give you a finger.

I wanted more than a man who always wanted more.