My heart feels like
it's about to shut down
from all the truths
that only I know

People view me
as kind
selfless
heartfelt
with empathy

Yet once they witness
my darker side
this inner demon
that is always
a few steps behind me

Once they see
the ashes and smeared blood
tainted within my mind and heart

I am once again alone
alone to pick up the pieces 
of a love that never was

It's too late
much too late
to fight, deny
or walk away--

it's too late
what's done and said
is imprinted
in time's template-

it's too late
a new course to take
the past stood on
before---it's dead--

it's too late
too late to recreate
the song has taken flight
the poem has been written and read-

it's too late
the heart has been hurt
love has turned away
the word is absurd-

it's too late
all that's left
now is to drown
the self in the sea of regret.