The Secret

The Secret (reposted) “Don’t tell don’t tell.” she begged of me, with pleading in her eyes And though I knew I really should. I listened to her cries. We were only twelve-years-old; our lives were much the same And I swore to keep her secret, like some exciting game. In the weeks that followed this knowledge gave me fear Still, her trust in me was total and I held that very dear My mother sensed my worry and asked if all was well But the secret that I carried was never mine to tell So mum took me in her arms, she didn’t shout or scold She said that I was burdened and the secret must be told Then, feeling like a traitor.....* I reported all I knew And from my quiet whispered words a dreadful conflict grew The police they were informed and the perpetrator caught A father went to prison. His poor family was distraught My once best friend now hated me. I’d shown the world her shame My words had wrecked her family and to me she handed blame She grew up hard and bitter and I wonder to this day When I see her in the shopping mall and she turns her face away Was I right or was I wrong when our friendship I betrayed? I’ll never know the answer but I know the price we paid. *( Gareth James' contest--leave me hanging. 19th April 2010) Reposted complete 25th October 2011