Never Forgotten
When last you spoke to me,
“You don’t have the right to ask”;
Your calm revulsion seemed complete
Nothing left to unmask.
And as I took my leave,
Heartfelt words left unspoken,
Tears did stain my cheeks,
Making plain whose heart was broken.
I remember when you asked,
“Are you ashamed of me?”
You could not know how very far
From truth that thought could be.
An attractive woman, so accomplished;
Character and maturity beyond your years.
Twenty-five and still just a boy,
My love for you was fraught with fears.
Fresh from the atrocities of war,
Aims and talents still disguised.
Nothing to offer to fulfill a love.
Of the two of us, you were the only prize.
So, I succumbed to my fears,
Gave in to youthful pride;
Then told you I loved another,
But tell you now…I lied.
Afraid you might one day
Rue any love for me,
I did what I thought best for you,
Chose not to let it be.
So long, I drifted aimlessly
Without direction, in distress;
But hoped life was good to you,
Bringing fulfillment and happiness.
Now, forty years gone by,
As I walk through life’s November,
This old heart needs you to know,
Even if you don’t remember.
But should you now recall those moments,
I know there’s little you can say;
But please don’t think me too pathetic.
A little guilt has come a long, long way.
I loved you so; and never, not for
a single day, have I forgotten you.
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