I Can See
I can see your eyes are trained somewhere beyond my face,
though I can't bring myself to find their target.
They passed over me once, for a day, or a week,
and I was garbed in splendor for such a time as that.
The oddest thing is that I never thought I was missing something,
until I had it, and then I tasted poverty.
Before I was something, I am sure.
Now I am nothing.
Both before and after you had no love for me,
so why should I feel so differently?
I can see the bemusement hidden in your smile.
You laugh at my continuing efforts,
and it would be so easy to curse you,
except that I cherish you too much for that.
Probably, you are confused why I stumble on,
knowing there is no real hope in sight.
Perhaps I am still falling forward into a dream,
and my legs are dragged along behind my heart.
They know better than to walk your way.
I can see the question on your lips:
Why do you not take leave of me?
Go run into the woods and lick your wounds,
If you can't clear up your illusions, take them away from me!
I can see you.
And you are no illusion. In fact, you are quite beautiful.
Too beautiful, in truth, to turn away.
Forgive me! Better for both that I depart,
but for now, my heart is yours, and so I stay.
26 July 2017
Written for "Best Romantic Write" contest, sponsored by John Hamilton
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