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