There is only one way to truly heal, requiring the swallowing of ego, 

The recanting of horrible things, and the cessation of animosity. 

It requires admission of wrongdoing. 

It cannot be done through faith, when one is not even honest with one’s god. 

It cannot be achieved with forgetting—there is no running away, 

For the heart remembers all things. 

It cannot be attained through distraction, nor false love as a substitute, 

Dating those who are horrors walking, hidden by sly gestures, dishonest hearts,

Nor absolution from friends and family who only know a part.

These things will only result in more pain. 

It cannot even come from counseling, which may make us feel better superficially, 

But does not address the living soul, and is not something you would ever consider, 

For you do not believe that you have done wrong. 

And it cannot be made better with continued attacks, though they may make us feel better. 

Your attacks have been far worse, attempting heal with vengeance. 

It does not work that way. 

I cannot be ignored forever.—that is only courting a false life and damnation. 

The only way to heal is to return, to face the past, 

To forgive in earnest and accept apology and our own guilt. 

The only way to heal is to go back to what you cared for,

And only you can make that decision. 

Though it harmed you, you harmed as much if not more, 

There is no other way. 

Everything else is a lie. 

But can you ever find the courage to admit it, or is denial the only home you will ever know? 

A rose spoke truth once. 

Will it ever again?