you spew your hatred at me,
each word adding matches
to my reservoir.
i hold them at the crossroads.

i stand here on the bridge
of total destruction
and eternal bliss,
collecting splinters in my hand.

wishing the wood i stand on
encases in fire,
eliminating his hold on me,
being more than just a byproduct.

i turn to look at him—
he's vibrating with rage.
but i can choose to not be like him,
open the door to this cage.

and so i'll drop these matches,
let them fall to the wood.
take a step forward,
and be more than he thought i could.

the bridge may stand,
but so will i—
a million miles away,
and not a tear in my eye.

he will not defeat me.