Once, long ago,
When love was new and young,
When love was firm and supple,
When love was as plentiful as hope,
I threw my head back passionately and said,
“You will never replace me! I am all you need!”

I am the love of your life. 
I am your partner in crime.
I am the mother of your children.
I am your secret keeper.
I am your cheerleader.
I am your champion.

I freely gave my job description
Boldly, fearlessly, proudly.
Yet, as hard as I tried, 
I no longer do.
Passion falls to duty
Hurt destroys honor and trust.

Time finds a way,
To distort, erode or forge.
Changes so subtle and small,
That Shifts perceptions; assigns blame.
Until I scream with every cell in my body,
”You can’t replace me! I am already gone!”