Untapped Potential Gone to Waste

He claimed
to be 
"deeply in love"
while continuing
to ignore
the concerns of the 
object of his supposed 
affection
hurting her
with inaction
inflicting pain
through 
purposeful neglect
attempts at gaslighting 
when she 
came to close to shining 
the light
on the darkened corners

He
specialized in 
self-delusion

She knew this.
She was not fooled
by the facade
She came from a family 
of people like him
Yet,
She chose to see 
the goodness

So
She gave chances.
She offered patience and 
kindness.
Because, 
as always
she saw the potential
in the person.
She believed in
evolution
progress
growth

But 
She never lied to herself
the way he 
managed to 
avoid self-truths
day in and 
day out.

And she knew
in her heart of heart of
Hearts
recognizing what Could Be
didn't make up for 
What It Wasn't.

And it Wasn't Love.