I built this house for us.

Layered it brick by brick
glued it together with mortar
reinforced it with steel.
But with a single swing of your wrecking ball,
you demolished it,
left only a pile of rubble
and my shattered heart.

These walls I constructed
founded on loyalty and dedication
intertwined with love and respect
were no match for your lies and broken promises.

They couldn’t withstand the shock of your betrayal.
And so, everything lies in ruins;
a testament to your destructive power.

However, when one door slams shut, another slowly creaks open.

The house you’ve blasted into oblivion
has made way for a home.

The broken pieces from our demolition
were used to construct a more resilient foundation,
erect sturdier walls, hurricane-resistant roofing.

Our debris was repurposed for something new.
An improved residence,
A dynasty.

Editor: Shannon Hensley