Words Unspoken

No words are needed.

The silence speaks volumes.

Agonizing pain.

I see it in your eyes.

I’m the one that caused it.

You want to rip me apart.

I notice your lips tremble slightly

As you search for words to say.

Nothing is said.

But I know.

I am aware of the damage I’ve done,

And I’m overwhelmed by guilt.

I can only imagine what you felt.

How badly you must have wanted answers.

The hope you had that I would apologize

And make things right.

Instead of offering you closure,

I treated you like a stranger.

You probably think I’m a monster.

And maybe I am.

But I’m not heartless.

This hurt me too.

You used to mean a lot to me.

But you became someone I didn’t recognize.

You didn’t do anything wrong.

I should have told you that.

Instead I chose to be a coward.

Slowly I distanced myself,

Built up an irrational resentment toward you,

Then took my exit on stage left.

For a while I convinced myself,

I did the right thing.

But I was wrong.

As time passed

I was haunted by regret.

From time to time

I feel an urge to apologize.

But too much time has passed,

And I don’t want to open an old wound.

So I let you be.

My punishment

Forever knowing that I hurt you.