After the Apology

The cup is still warm

Words still floating in the air

I said I'm sorry

But the silence stayed

Your shadow fades slow

Like dust in golden light

Forgiveness isn't an answer

It's the pause before night

Soft breath

Inhaled regret

But exhaled peace

For the first time

After the apology

I'm lighter, not healed

After the apology

I'm here - finally real

No closure, just quiet

And that's enough tonight

A glass ring on the table

Where the past used to sit

I clean it with a fingertip

But a trace still glows a bit

The room forgives faster

Than the heart ever will

And yet

I'm learning still

Soft breath

Inhaled regret

But exhaled peace

For the first time

After the apology

I don't need repair

After the apology

I just need air

No promise, no proof

Just space for truth

And the light

Learns to breathe