Regret

I was the object of your affection,
Useful for a time;
Lost in the ritual of loving
The man I thought you were.
How much of me did I give you
In the gardens that tumbled over the wall?
In the home that was your castle
Where the inner layers of my being
Lay exposed, vulnerable and imperfect?

You took all that filled your own need
And left me devalued in humiliating silence
While you manipulated your scraps of power.
Your love was the fantasy of possessing
All that gives your existence meaning;
Your illusions trampled the passion
Tenderness and trust that was yours alone.                                              

With what do you fill the hollow inner spaces
Of your being?  Hiding behind the mask of greed;
Unwilling or unable to grasp the anguish 
Of those who bear the consequence
Of your flawed decisions.
Those who have no choice; the victims
That get in the way of your eagerness
To continue your dance
With the harlots of commerce.

And I am alone,
With the whispers of deprivation and denial.
Processing the pain of what I am
Who I was and what I might become
Between the no longer and the not yet,
Can I run fast enough to be me again
In this world where the mirage of being
Becomes ever more elusive?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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A   Avatar
November 27, 2013 at 1:25 AM
Hi Liz, Thank you for spreading and sharing your kindness. You know me I’ will always enjoy stopping by with love and support, no matter if I do not Understand what I am reading at times. I am very grateful and thankful to all who have been supportive of me one way or another. Your heartfelt words are the main attraction of who you are… Thanks for your inspiring visit. ----- Happy Thanksgiving ~ LINDA
Duncan Avatar
June 23, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Nicely done Liz ;}
Posey Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 9:19 PM
I enjoyed your well deserved venting. I hope you gained some relief in writing this.... Otherwise you wasted a perfectly fine poem telling someone what for! Great writing ..... Jake
Devnath  Avatar
November 17, 2012 at 10:06 AM
It's called corruption, manipulation, autocracy of selfishness and nothing else. Wonderful way to express "Regret", my friend. Loved always, bl
Devnath  Avatar
October 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM
A poem of real tragic life, i feel. Nicely expressed. Loved always, bl
Bickerstaffe Avatar
October 20, 2012 at 6:48 PM
A spectacular piece of free verse... '...with what do you fill the hollow inner spaces?' I wonder, too. '...the fantasy of possessing' is what drives these unscrupulous beings to their unspeakable acts, and leave their victims devastated. Excellent work!! Love, Keith
Macfarlane Avatar
September 16, 2012 at 8:01 PM
Remarkable insight into the pains of lost love....I love the line: "Can I run fast enough to be me again"....impressive write! Hugs
Gasun Avatar
September 15, 2012 at 8:57 PM
Excellent write which I've almost missed my dear friend, Elizabeth! I love it! Thanks for sharing! luv, Leonora
Alvez Avatar
September 15, 2012 at 9:47 AM
A passionate verse pulling at the heart strings of life. Cynthia
Onclaud Avatar
September 13, 2012 at 10:31 AM
the tone and experiential approach of this stirring gift is a mellow and sad experience, lizzie... but what is most amazing about this write is the energy you have captured in a most reflective way... lovely!..:) hugggs!
Pettit Avatar
September 11, 2012 at 10:35 PM
An impressive write. You have such deep descriptiveness in the wording of this entry.
Dietrich Avatar
September 11, 2012 at 9:58 PM
I probably read this one before. It's SO GOOD, Elizabeth. You must have a hundred comments. Mine is no longer visible underneath here!!! GET WRITING more POEMS!!!
Cohan Avatar
September 11, 2012 at 12:46 PM
the thing i dig most about this site is people write me comments that are beyone complimentary and actually sound heartfelt, meanwhile they can write rings around me...dont' believe me.....read a poem of mine JEFFRY COHAN PHREEPOETREE ~free cee!~ and then compare it to the above....now ya see what i mean? WRITE on girl! yours in the universe's wonders ~free cee!~
Carrillo Avatar
September 10, 2012 at 8:28 PM
Elizabeth; this is an awesome poem. I loved itfrom start to finish. Thanks for sharing and have a blessed day. Lucilla
Loving Iii Avatar
September 10, 2012 at 8:06 PM
I've had some regrets to. Right into the kiss my putuna contest.
Rutherford Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 8:01 AM
WOW Elizabeth, this is both sad and cathartic for you .Last stanza is so real for me , I get your line 'can I run fast enough to be me again.' Hugs going your way!!!! Anne Soup mail.
O'Leary Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 7:43 AM
Very great pain you've painted so vividly! Wonderful (though terribe) emotional heights/depths traversed in the space of a 'few' lines... Terry (thank you for your kind words/comments... though compared to your work, undeserved...)
Agtani Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Beautiful expression of deeper feelings Elizabeth. The poem is truly rich in words and emotions. Hats off to you as always. Dalila
Effendi Avatar
September 7, 2012 at 3:04 PM
You have a remarkable gift at tale telling, dear Elize. Yes, I am around, paying frequent visits to you, as much as I can. I hope to post more poems soon
Kearley Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Just beautiful....It says so much! That last stanza just wraps it up so nice! Whew.... :o) X-celent write... Hard to smile after that one.
Situation Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 10:38 AM
A very complicated situation.
Ryerson Avatar
September 4, 2012 at 7:48 AM
Wow!...I am becoming a big fan or yours, Elizabeth!...Each verse a gem but the LAST one just knocked me dead!....loaded with truth and wisdom...you nailed it! - Tim
Aul Avatar
September 1, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Heartfelt writing............ George
Macmillan Avatar
September 1, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Lizzy-dear, I am sorry that I've neglected you, though you are close in my prayers and thoughts. Sigh, girl is already calling. Will write more tonight xox
Macmillan Avatar
September 1, 2012 at 9:16 PM
This poem is incredible. I know that you are only just starting to foray into free verse, oh, but you have a real knack for it! I had a nasty flu bug cold for three weeks, barely been reading or writing and now my cold's back! You're a sweetie. Thank you, xox
Song Avatar
August 31, 2012 at 1:30 PM
No running needed, Lizzie...u have already arrived as a new resurrected beautiful creature! This poem hits my heart strings...I feel as tho my own soul whispered its secrets for u to write...my fav stanza is the 2nd to the last...what a doozy! Amazing transparent write! gwendolen
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