expiate

She forgave a million little hurts;
the false words and false love
of a fraud.

She made excuses and explained away
all the jabs and gibes
and upon herself took the blame.

The late night apologies and caresses
would expiate the aches of daylight
and, in this way, she proceeded.

Far too long, she believed:
that grand gestures and promises
were the truth.

And then one day,
there came another.

An innocent, dropped into this world
and given to their care.

And for a time, it seemed that
words and deeds might match.

And then one day,
they didn't.

And then another day,
they didn't.

And then one day,
she put down deception,
gathered up her certainty,
swaddled and safe
and departed.