Torn Between Love and Duty

In 2018, when we were just seven, Our friendship bloomed, a gift from heaven. We laughed, we played, our bond so tight, In each other’s presence, everything felt right. As years rolled by, our feelings grew, In 2021, a kiss made it true. Drunk on a whim, our first kiss shared, A moment of love, a memory declared. But then came 2022, a year of pain, A kiss with another, a forced refrain. He couldn’t trust, our bond did break, Eight months of silence, a heartache to shake. With time, wounds healed, our love revived, November 2023, a proposal arrived. But my heart wasn’t ready, his plea I closed, For my future, my dreams, I supposed. In January 2024, I gave in to romance, But love became a burden, a weakening stance. My grades suffered, my dreams set aside, For their dreams and hopes, I had to abide. Being the eldest, a family's pride, My dreams and desires, I had to hide. Left my dream school, my wishes, my light, For their dreams and hopes, I put up the fight. On July 9th, I broke my heart, Told him we must part. His understanding, his care, his plea, “Remember me, and take care,” said he. Feeling selfish, torn inside, For love, my heart cried. Seven years I waited, always true, But responsibilities grew,