I made a mistake
I'll say it

You lit up
comfortable darkness

and I traded that light
for one that I knew

without fathomable
doubt

would fade into
unforgiving black

you were much too
woman for me anyhow

but it is you
who will keep this
soul from growing
bitter

a world of mirrors

I'll be happy with
your reflection

the thought of you
is tangible

in spite of the fairer
of the sexes

there was nothing
artificial about you

I held beauty in
my arms

in spite of what
I thought was ideal

being infinitely out
of longing grasp