How I Know

The songs that
used to remind me of you
do not
anymore,
and for me
that's a huge step
in bringing joy
back into my life again.
The places
we used to visit
do not scream your name
any longer,
and I am now able
to create new symbolism
for them.
The words
you used to say
don't have the same meaning,
and that makes it easier
for me to not shutter
at the sound of them.
After over a year,
I am turning the corner
and I can see the finish line.
There is still much more
between the lines,
and I by no means
am healed,
but it is getting there.
My nightmares have slowly
started to dissipate;
to the point
I no longer fear
going to sleep.
I am building myself
out of concrete.
At the end of the day,
all I have is myself
and if I am hollow
there is nothing stopping others
from breaking me down.