____________

I knew when you came here
The truth would reveal
A thousand misgivings, a million appeals
Your words a disguise now
For actions concealed
And I left to wonder
Are you false?
Are you real?

Your warmth and conviction
When telling your lies
Shanghaied my logic
Bedazzled my eyes
A dozen maneuvers
Outsmarted my questions
A game long since honed
Via force and deception.

I could not be strong
When under your spell
I knew what the truth was
But I wouldn't tell.
And as you continue
Your seductive denial
I can’t help but wonder
At your own heart beguiled
Into a dream
Of no longer knowing
Which is reality and where is the scheme

But I cannot judge you
Nor seek to condemn
For I was held captive
By more than you knew.
What drew me and kept me
Was more than a con
But a hope for your truth
To finally shine through.

You are for the most part
A man in disguise
Yearning to impress
Fearing reprise
The light is within you
And its you who's not free
You can’t let me love you
You're unable to see
There’s nothing to fear here
It’s real
I’m me.