It was so hard to love you
difficult – but no less true
not for our lack of trying
just crying and failed pursuits.

I adored what you should be
if you had ever been free
to choose us over the fight
for the right to always flee

You so loved being needed
until us tributes pleaded
for your need in return
a concern left unheeded

I sat for hours on the bank
a stowaway on the plank
hoping for your kind reprieve
left there to grieve as I sank

I imagined I could tell
that I knew your car so well
to identify the sound –
all I found were my dreams quelled

‘Twas never your car.
cold and alone with the stars
waiting for you to arrive
still alive – gathering scars

These days I’m a parent too
trying not to be like you –
I too feel the need to flee…
look at me – nothing is new.