I never stumble for long

I never stumble for long

I learned a lesson not to trust today

now I will plod on in my own way

no hand to guide, no word to soothe

just solid ground and worn-out truth

the smiles were masks,

the warmth was thin

a game I lost I never joined in

they spoke like friends,

they moved like thieves

left me with silence and rolled-up sleeves

no storm, no shout, just quiet cut

the door swung wide, then calmly shut

so I walk on, with shoes that know

each mile is mine, each step is slow

I owe them nothing, not my name

not one soft word, not one small flame

they taught me this — to walk alone

to carve my path and guard my own

Sifting through friends is good,

keep the hinges

but throw away the rotted wood