The Wrong Life

Looking out of the window

I knew I should leave.

This place

Wasn't the place for me.

But I was raised to stay,

Taught not to be a quitter,

To tough it out

And I achieved so much

And helped so many

By doing so much good

And living the wrong life.

It cost me dearly

Like an actor

Making up lines

Not knowing the script

Yet still moving the story on

In the right direction,

So others can play their role to perfection.

But now

This wrong life

Is exposed

To public view

And everybody knows.

So few remain to shake my hand

And thank me for my work

In saving many

At my own expense.

Instead, I see the horror

And accusations.

The condemnation for living this lie

That kept them all on track.

They tell me, with scorn and disgust

I have lived the wrong life.

As my other life disappears

Over my horizon

And out of sight.