Jaded Love

Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
Fool me time and time again – I am stupidly in love.

They say the sign of a crazy man
Is someone who does the same thing over and over again,
Expecting a different result each time.
I am a crazy man.

The first time you broke my heart,
I nearly ended my life.
When I finally resolved to live again
You came knocking on my door asking for forgiveness.
I welcomed you with open arms – falling hard once again.

The second time – I swore it would never happen again.
I lied.

Upon each return you swore you had learned your lesson –
I proved I had not learned mine.

You come back to me broke – I make you whole again.
You come back to me drunk – I sober you up again.
You come back to me abused – I nurse you to good health again.
You come back to me in need – I drop everything to comply.

You only love me when your life is at rock bottom.
Once I help you to your feet – you use them to walk out on me again;
And, I am left a broken man.

I would love to say, “Never again”, but I know I am too weak.
The spell you hold over me is one I cannot resist.

I have ended other, more healthy relationships, 
To once again jump on the carousel of your jaded love,
Only to have the ride come to an end and the fair leave town once again
With this little boy holding a handful of unused ride tickets:
No refunds – No rain dates – No sense at all.

I pray that you do not come back again.
The pain of you not being with me is less intense than the pain of you leaving again.
Please, allow me to suffer the lesser evil.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
December 10, 2010 at 4:51 PM
A hard row to hoe (sigh) I think you may have a white knight archeotype? It's hard to be a good man. Powerfull write. Congrad's Light & Love
Onclaud Avatar
December 7, 2010 at 9:49 PM
i go whoooot!! congrats, joe and cherish the award!! huggs, nette
Sweetheart Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Congrats Joe on a super win in John's contest with this brilliant write and entry my friend.. enjoy another top spot with luv..
Brown Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Congratulations on your win in John's "Jaded Partitions" contest Joe. Love, Carol
Richards Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 7:22 AM
Once again, you pull the heart and pain out of words and make us feel each emotion. Well done, Joe. Congratulations!
Kendrick Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 5:47 AM
You have expressed how God must feel with his Sons and Daughters who constantly stray and only want Him when their lives are on the rocks...But He always takes them back and continues to love them...I am glad that I chose this one to read ...Congratulations on your win..Sara
Mehta Avatar
December 6, 2010 at 1:52 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved win in the contest of Jared, Joe
Devonshire Avatar
November 29, 2010 at 12:54 AM
Lately I have been reminding myself of the definition you gave for insanity, Joe. When the same things keep happening again and again, we have ourselves to blame if we repeat our mistakes. I'm learning the hard way. Outstanding entry for the jaded love contest! Wishing you success. Love, Carolyn
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