I Left the Band

Inspired by Zayn from One Direction

By Amani Abukhater

am i the bad guy? for choosing

my own happiness over the happiness

of millions? over the happiness of 

my best friends? i dunno the answer.

am i selfish? for choosing

my own path over the path

that was paved for me and 

four other unsuspecting boys.

i never wanted to be here,

i’d rather be anywhere else.

i wanted to leave from the first year,

it wasn’t the thing i wanted to do.

choosing myself over the others

burned bridges built so carefully 

for so long. no one wants

to apologize to each other.

spent my good years on

a stage, despite the anxiety.

i can answer your question now:

i was the first to say goodbye.