Sometimes we think that we can tell, but it takes time.

And even truth, to be established, must be proved.

The things that fall away versus the things that stay behind?

I believe there’s one good way to differentiate

True victories from assumptions of pride

And which risks will pay off in the end.

The failures left a gaping hole of loss, but that was then, it is no more.

It was rebuilt piece by piece til one day I could breathe again.

And now? The more I stare, the less I recognize my face because

The look in my eyes gently mocks defeat.

What’s mine is mine.

I lift my chin and wait.

Love always wins, and nothing else stands against time.