Return to Sender
What Comes Back
You shouldn't be here.
She was chosen over me.
Your rehearsed, half-hearted apologies
NOT accepted.
You mistook my silence for softness,
My stillness for an open door.
I was only deciding
How to hand you back to yourself.
*
Your eyes watched my face for mercy
Like a thief
Scanning a room for anything left worth taking.
The audacity of offering a necklace
Purchased for her?
Mind-numbingly
Hurtful.
*
Take your sorry promises
Wrapped in someone else's perfume.
Leave the version of me
You thought would wait around.
I am no longer her.
I may be a worn envelope,
Creased and stained with age and abuse,
But I am no longer
Addressed to you.
About the Creator
Julie Lacksonen
Julie has been a music teacher at a public school in Arizona since 1987. She enjoys writing, reading, walking, swimming, and spending time with family.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (5)
Wow, Julie! This better win 🏆 love it 😀
That line about the sorry being wrapped in perfume! Wow! Great poem!
Potent and brimming with energy.
That ending felt soooo powerful! Loved your take on this challenge!
Yikes that’s strong. The feelings of pain and betrayal you captured are unmistakable.