So How Do You Face Derision?

So how do you face derision?

…cuffs to the heart…

…arrows to the soul…

…misreadings of the essence of your being?

Me?

At first I tried warmth. Interest. Lovingkindness, even.

Please. Get out of my face.

Then I tried…no I just kept being warm.

Worse pain.

Now some years later—I am older, wiser, less needful–I’ve decided the best way is to be present but disengaged. Pleasant but nobody’s reminder that SHE’S here.

And not to care.

It’s working better.

But what a sad waste of love.