Love Poem: I Can See
J. I. Thomas F. Avatar
Written by: J. I. Thomas F.

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