that pale restriction
of self deception
hiding pain and disappointment
from daily light
under misplaced blame
and ruthless trying
and endless choosing
the constant support
that reshaped
disfigured

the burned band
from climbing and holding
too long
as rope slipped
unwilling to release
grip on that which
always held my hopes

hopes and dreams which
joined hearts together
so close
then revealed deadly arrhythmia
cut apart now to live
more damage
more change
disfigured

this wound impressed
in heat of passion
in cold of rejection
the strain
of trying
and trying
the grief then
of recognition
it is what it is

this wound now
ever present
part of me
as you will always be
of joining
and love
and ignorance
and persistence
and holding
and holding
and holding
until you are gone
and your hand still here
with me
i do still love
i can still love
and alone still strong
we will be healed