The Distances

[J Hillenburg]

The distances we encountered in our love
were too great to ever be ignored.
But the longing was greater and thereof
more of an injustice than I could afford.
We could not span the gulf that divided
our lives beyond the most elemental ties.
Stunned silent by our seldom provided
reasons for a thousand little white lies.

The distances were more than we dared
scale or surmount, we settled for less.
I was empty in your love and unprepared
to admit the true extent of my unrest.
We exchanged grand ambition for goals
more realistic to remain sure of our place.
You have made a drama of your soul
that you rarely give lest you risk disgrace.

The distances were too much, I now see
that we did all we could but failed.
I cast no blame, I know you loved me
not knowing what exactly that entailed.
We have risen to another point of view,
and our relations are in a different light.
I wonder what you dream of now, I do,
as I travel through this long, drab night.

[Martine]