The Cup Shatters

When people say 'break up',

It often conjures the image of lovers,

In a quarrel, both at their wits' end,

Realizing they could not be with each other.

They could be much too alike and unrelenting,

Or far too different,

Never each other's missing piece.

Imagine that feeling with someone you've come to deeply care for—

Whether for years, or just a few months—

A feeling like grieving something that never was,

And never again could be.

If it were with a friend, it could be even worse.

Time tests the loyalty and depths of a friendship,

Nothing more intimate than seeing one for who they really are,

Or who they could become —

Accepting, encouraging, and embracing...

But time can also change one's principles and values.

When either of those shifts,

Instead of seeing that both are on the same side, just with different perspectives,

One sees the worst in each other.

It's like a chasm,

A death to an ideal,

Weighing on oneself for days, weeks —

A bottomless pit of grief and lamentation.

And even when time has allowed that shattered teacup to be whole again,

The clock will stir —

When fate and circumstance return two people to a moment when the teacup shatters,

Will you forgive me...

As I have forgiven you?