For Melissa

I doubt there is a woman out there who has not been shunned, let down, or deserted by a man. These times are undoubtedly hard; tears, feelings of self doubt and hours spent moping under a duvet inevitably ensue. However, what amazes me about the women in these awful situations is, not their frailty but rather, the fervor and resilience that, more often than not, runs in tandem with their searing heartbreak.
The forsaken woman is something of an enigma. She manages to exude both strength and fragility at the same time. We have all been there: that place in which we feel so low that there is nothing else for it but to pick ourselves up and battle on; to convert the heartbreak into something useful, the anger into a gainful passion. For many this passion can lead to a time of excitement and self discovery.
My dear friend Dotty P has managed to capture this multi-faceted emotional state quite sublimely here:

Now At Liberty Little white love, your way you've taken; Now I am left alone, alone. Little white love, my heart's forsaken. (Whom shall I get by telephone?) Well do I know there's no returning; Once you go out, it's done, it's done. All of my days are gray with yearning. (Nevertheless, a girl needs fun.) Little white love, perplexed and weary, Sadly your banner fluttered down. Sullen the days, and dreary, dreary. (Which of the boys is still in town?) Radiant and sure, you came a-flying; Puzzled, you left on lagging feet. Slow in my breast, my heart is dying. (Nevertheless, a girl must eat.) Little white love, I hailed you gladly; Now I must wave you out of sight. Ah, but you used me badly, badly. (Who'd like to take me out tonight?) All of the blundering words I've spoken, Little white love, forgive, forgive. Once you went out, my heart fell, broken. (Nevertheless, a girl must live.) Dorothy Parker