I could not go

We started our journey

On a path made for two

Her love undivided;

She pledged to be true.

We strolled hand in hand,

A traveling pair.

We confided our lives

And listened with care.

Words rich as wine

From her lips were poured out.

Unmistakable love.

Never a doubt.

But time passed; storms came.

New words reached my ear:

“This guy– he’s great.”

I walked on in fear.

My joy second-guessed,

But never dwelling for long.

Though the path became rocky,

My legs stumbled on.

My head looking forward,

Not risking a glance.

Though my darling beside me,

I danced my own dance.

No stopping for rest

When the hour grew late.

My arms thrashing forward

To my imminent fate.

A path in the dark.

Blind to her words.

They should have made pause,

But refused to be heard.

But wait– what’s this?

I squinted my eyes.

Oh where is my darling?

She’s not by my side.

Heart thumping frantic

Knees fell to the ground.

The blindness unveiled,

My eyesight was found.

A trembling panic.

I gasped from within.

For there stood my darling,

Standing with him.

Oh pain beyond pain,

As no one should know.

A new path diverged,

But I could not go.