Though you stood beside me
I found my self
in a reflection of solitude,
I reached for you with my heart.
Yet, you looked passed me
seeking your thoughts.

Like a child
given candy
by your attention,
I wavered to your desires
with conviction.
I guess I was too giving,
too understanding, too devoted
to your needs and whims.

(Yes, I dropped everything for you.)

I guess my concept
of love:
“give” one self unselfishly
without questions or remorse,
was more or less than your real needs.

You said you wanted
to be “just” friends.
I hid behind smiles
sheltering you from my pain.
I didn’t want to share
with you the depths
of my emotions,
that evoked my soul
to dredges of illusion’s
shallow grave.

(I cried inside and felt no shame.)

You made your choice,
now I have made mine.
Come stand beside the grave
of yesterday’s dreams,
cherish the memories
as the day ends.
Then watch me walk away
leaving the grave of the past,
as I walk into a new day
without you.

(Yes, I still love you.)

Copyright 2002 Tracey L. Hardie