An Apology

One tear rippled down your cheek.

Your mouth, a convex mound, protruding

Lips that shake, but do not speak.

My helpless reach, to pull back words, intruding.

I’ve hurt you, an ill-considered phrase I can’t unsay.

A thousand better words, now void of meaning.

A thoughtless thought, exposes me a god of clay,

And castes me in the shadows of my scheming.

I know I’m wrong. There’s no use more pretending,

If I could make amends, my lack of kindness take away.

I’d stroke your feelings, like your hair, soft mending,

And make my darkest night your brightest day,

So, here, my hand, an offering to close the gap

That ‘tween us seeks in separateness to hide

Thus, in your arms, with strength and warmth enwrap,

That love, thus tested, may long abide.

So, please you, then, to kiss and leave our troubles back,

As joy is greater than all sorrows, known.

May we, with tenderness, refill the lack,

And reach for heights that none can find, alone.