“Breaking the Cycle”

You have no idea how great this feels.
To be able to look at you without yearning for a second glance,
to discreetly follow you,
To make sure I’m in plain view.
You’re not a concern of mine anymore
And I’ve never felt so relived -
So liberated and alive -
To finally break the cycle
Of long, hopeless crushes.
I’ve seen the real you.
And you’re not the guy depicted
In my past delusions and dreams.
It took a long while,
But now when I see you,
I am reminded of what it feels like to breathe.