The Closer

I've seen happy people,

And others they've made smile;

Looking back, I lament how I was unable,

To make my love for you worth your while.

Looking back...I think of what could've been,

My mind ravaged by 'What If's',

Words said that maybe I ought to rescind,

If words between us nearly caused a rift—

I never meant to writhe any unasked tension;

All I wanted was for History to note—if only for a second—

You were one person I was blessed to spend time with.

I've seen happy people,

And others they've made smile,

Still I hear the verdict...

And smack of the gavel,

From when my love brought me to trial.

And upon issuing your verdict, I stood incredulous,

My head hung low;

I knew we'd never embrace, much less share a kiss,

Once I heard you say, "No,"—

Even without handcuffs slapped upon these two wrists,

A life spent without you is like life in prison without parole...

I've seen people hurt,

Their hearts torn by those cared for,

Yet, with heads burrowed in hooded shirts,

In the rain they stand, waiting, once more,

Hoping for light to stream through cracked door.

It hurts—but you're not to blame;

Taking a chance is the chance you take,

When you play this unpredictable game,

Malleable to an unjust fate—

Despite the outcome, I don't regret the simple fact I came;

Loving you, Dear, was never a mistake...

Yet, still, I dream,

Of the unlikely scenario,

Where we dance Bachata in the umber light that streams,

Through our foggy bedroom window;

Your eyes are alive with that seraphic sheen,

As we dine by coralline candles—

Each moment with you is a ceaseless symphony

Of somnolent strings,

Forever transporting me where in only dreams I can go.

You are beautiful—

More than you want to believe,

Which is why, in light of eve's glow,

To be with you, I pray my Maariv...

I know what I want you to be,

But won't ever take for granted what you are—

You know you mean the world to me?

That, to me, your life shines brighter than alabaster?

With these analogies you may not agree,

For of your peers, you've always been the humbler...

A love for you in my heart I will always carry,

Right alongside that for my father and mother...

I've seen myself happy,

And it's because I'd made you smile,

If loving you makes me guilty,

Then may I forever stand trial...

- Kevin B. Waring