admission

How can I do it?
Tell those beautiful
children
their daddy isn't going to
live here anymore?

How do I say the words,
how do I not shed a tear,
how do I make sure they know
that it isn't because of them...?

I want to hide them from this-
to pull them close and keep them
safe.

But then a voice from within me whispers,
"Is it better to lie through gritted teeth,
pretending everything is fine...?
Or tell the truth and let them see
how strong you are, even now...?"

Better to be strong and alone
than a doormat.
*deep breaths*

... like a bandaid...