When the reality is
that I’ll write
many more lines for you
though I’ll hide
behind allegory
and pretend I mean
something else
but deep down
I’ll know
and you’ll know
what the reality is
and that my subtle bullshit
just won’t pass the mustard
and I’ll pretend
it doesn’t hurt
that you are gone
but no one is buying
my courageous front
the pain in my eyes
must be apparent
and I wonder
if there’s pain in your eyes
as we yet continue
to travel apart
both unwilling to concede
and move a step or two
closer
to the other one
both unable
to put aside petty pride
and subjugate ego
refusing to accept flaws
and imperfections
in ourselves and each other
5-13-2006
for A.R.