Pathos

So the equilibrium is no more

The surface tension has been broken

What was once the glory days

Is now nothing more than memory

And filtered photos on your phone

How often do you look at those I wonder

And wish for when hearts were untouched by paranoia?

I can't say when the frost began creeping in

Seizing your soul and rendering you immobile

To the machinations of inevitable separation

We were too much like flint and flint

Grinding against each other

Until the sparks began to fly

You took it too far and they were terrified

Of seeing the monster inside the darkness that was you

They say that it was a forgivable misstep

And they smile and soothe

but their eyes aren't quite meeting yours

And the sinking of your heart is like an axe head in water

Only there is no one to make it resurface again

Their path diverges from yours

It's a split road, one leading into an endless plain

They say that you can't follow, and they hold you close

If only for a moment, that captured photograph

Is a reality, those smiles are a genuine expression of joy

And the arms around you are holding you like we belong together

For a moment you can pretend that this is something else

And it's glorious and beautiful and totally right

But when you let go their eyes are already looking onward

Away from you, their faces lit with expectation

They let go, all too soon

And the sparks sputter on the asphalt

Dying like the giddy smile on your face once you realize

They're reaching for another hand

That isn't yours

A hand that is far fairer and far stronger than yours could ever be

And you numbly touch your face with that lesser hand

Feeling for salt water
But then you realize you are still smiling

A quiet one, because you know them too well

There, you were right

They're turning around, all apologies and flustered concern

But you see them holding on tight to that fair and strong hand

Flint and steel

You smile at them and wave them onward
To that fuller sunset

It'll be alright really

Because you'll forever have those photos

Those filtered and beautiful facades

Of those moments that in the dark of night
You dared to call yours
And of a love with the smiling eyes
you never dared to try.