I thought I loved hearing the words "I love you."

Three syllables, three words,

Slipping off your tongue too easily

Who knew they could be so absurd.

Late night phone calls and good morning texts

All began and ended with the same three words:

"Good morning... I love you.

Goodnight... I love you."

Days go by without us talking

And I've finally realized that you are a nightmare.

The evil creature in my dreams,

Turning them from gumdrops and roses to licorice and thorns.

This type of love cannot be adorned.

I don't know who called this kind of love beautiful.

Troy and Gabriella made it seem so easy;

They made high school love seem so real,

But you are a drug

And I've become addicted,

Taking a daily pill.

When you call me out the blue

I used to say "hey... I love you,"

But I am tired of being force-fed empty-handed promises.

"I love you" started to feel like venom --

A deadly poison slowly making its way to my heart,

But I rather be six feet deep

Than live knowing that I am the one who ripped our relationship apart.

I am sorry, you are not a unicorn,

Some magical creation that does no wrong.

I can't keep getting sucked in,

It is time for me to learn how to be strong.

No more nightmares, no more good morning texts.

I'm sitting here pondering what in the world is next.

I dial your number with courage before my decision goes away.

My final words to you are here to stay: "Goodnight... I'm done. I love you.

Not forever, but definitely for today."