Second Chance

“Second Chance”

Our love was a wound, and you’re still sinking
Into that sea. Into the comfort of linking
Memories unto dreams of what was,
And what you would do with a new canvas—
You’ve painted a tomorrow for you and me
But today, the frame is empty.

There is no excuse for what I have done—
Forcing you to believe you are the one.
I cannot love you just to save you from pain,
And no words I can make could ever explain
The truth of what I have said,
That I love what kills me in your stead.

It’s meant to be that I’ll sever the strand
That holds you in my hand—
I’ll be your ache. But I don’t want to be…
I don’t want to be the reason you see
The world for what it is
While I’m dying to keep my promise,
While it kills me to give you this kiss—
There is no justice
In a love that is the only love you know,
That sailed for shoreless seas so long ago.

I don’t want to break your heart,
But you leave me no choice.
You listen. But you only hear my voice.
You do not hear what I impart,
That I love what brings me agony
And you, I fear, would make me happy.
I see you walking for this season
Through our sea’s division.
You have a heart that I envy
But it is not for me.
Because I love what kills me too much—
Because I love the absence of his touch.
My thoughts see you and pass.
My thoughts swim and find him
Never you. Never you alas!

“I want you to be happy. You have my blessing.”

© 2022 Marten Hoyle