RUMOURS

for every little reason, we wanted
something more to build a fire, stoke a flame
wanting to feel it to the core, deeply, until

we made mistakes along the way, with
having no ready excuse or way to explain

when love doesn't play fair, we struggled
in hopes to reclaim along the way, while our backs
were turned; with  lips telling lies , the  rumours flew

ever ready for a sacrifice, a love turned to chill
so what to do when once, love tasted so sweet

it demanded all our time, we held bay, ignoring
the signs, taking our cue from the heart, willing to a fault, we
two acted- dazed and confused; here, we laid awake

for the fear, when would the other shoe drop, we held our
breath, undercover in the dark for love to succeed or fail

we were lost between the echoes, growing  there loud
in our ears; as the shadows of loves ghost, came out to play
and in the morning,  with the light of day dawning would all be

forgiven? with the realization, swirling about;  the rumours false or
real, would leave it's lasting impression; with the scars hard to heal

by Michael Perry