No Longer, Susie Gharib, Ph.D., [2023:41)

I’m no longer the vestal vessel
into which you pour your venom and spleen,
injected into your temper
by sneaky vipers
and competitive colleagues.

I’m no longer the blazing fire
at which you warm your frostbitten feet,
having roamed the streets all night long
with not a single log at your fireplace.

I’m no longer the scathing tongue
that slashes your innumerable enemies,
the personal attorney that comes to your rescue
when the entire community decries your deeds.

I’m no longer the uncanonized saint
who forgives your over-breeding sins,
who listens to your endless confessions,
who can embrace your psychological leprosy.