Another kind of Love Potion (old version)

I started to write a love pantoum, but then I deleted the page 
Because I remembered how you poured me some bitter wine and I drank it 
Without questioning why I'm still staying with you. 
Instead, I'm writing a farewell to our relationship that had me paralyzed

When I was hooked on your bitter wine, 
While months and months passed by 
And I still refused to take the antidote. I must have looked like a fool.
My friends warned me about your hypocrisy!
They brought me back to reality while I was blindly defending you. 

My sisters offered me the antidote, but I refused to take it (what a joke!)
And when I finally spoke up, you told me how I had changed – 
See, I’m the only one to blame. I chose to participate in your wicked game 
Because I was too scared to be alone. 

And while you kept telling me how I’ve changed (oh what a shame!),
I now realize how I was the one living in captivity.
Now I shout liberty! Look how I scream liberty!
Since our roads departed, I started to glow!

You had me convinced that you were the one living in captivity, 
While you kept addressing me with toxic hostility.
My eyes were closed to news I had chosen to ignore.
I should have followed my dreams while I was wasting my time chasing you.

Now that I finally got rid of your hurtful hostility, 
I'm writing this for my sisters, who forgave me repeatedly,
They shared their bread with me. They broke it in two.
Now we laugh together about how I could’ve ever loved you.

I dedicate this poem to my sisters, wishing them prosperity.
And while you keep bathing yourself in pointless hostility, 
I will rise like a phoenix who survived your brutality.
Look how happy I am without you!

Now that I’m finally cleansed of your venom,
I will realize my dreams – publish my book, move to London.
Cross my name off your long list of victims,
I will no longer be thinking about you!

                                                                                                     © Elena Natroshvili
         
                                                                                                      IG: 16minutepoetry