echoes

the hurt sometimes look too closely
for signs of what may hurt again
though the seeking itself is hurtful

it seems better to be ready
than to be taken completely unaware
though to be prepared is also painful–

so let go of what was witnessed
set aside his cruel detachment
forget her quiet suffering

learn to see the difference between
then and now, past and present
who they were and who we are

and also know
it is not your fault
it was not your responsibility.