Shattered Illusions

In the gallery of my mind, your portrait hung eternal,

A masterpiece I painted with brushstrokes of denial.

Now it's a fading fresco, crumbling like autumn leaves,

Revealing the barren wall of truth beneath.

The Void You Left

Your absence is a black hole, consuming all light,

A vacuum where my heart once beat with delight.

Too late I learned the weight of what I'd lost,

A lesson etched in ice, bitter with frost.

Pride's Folly

I wore arrogance like a crown, fool's gold upon my brow,

Thinking I bestowed a gift, your presence to allow.

But you were the treasure, hidden in plain sight,

Now gone, leaving me alone in endless night.

Addiction to Absence

This withdrawal is a tempest, raging in my veins,

Each memory a lightning bolt of exquisite pain.

I should learn to breathe without you, to stand alone,

But I'm a tree without roots, by fierce winds blown.

The Unraveling

Time, they say, is a healer, a balm for the soul,

But each passing moment leaves me less than whole.

This mistake grows like a cancer, consuming all,

Your departure, a wrecking ball to my paper-thin wall.

Echoes in the Dark

In the depths of night, your ghost still lingers near,

A phantom touch, a whispered word I strain to hear.

Sleep eludes me, for in dreams you're by my side,

Waking is a cruel reminder of the tears I've cried.

The Endless Refrain

I'm a broken record, stuck on a mournful track,

Repeating your name, begging you to come back.

This habit, this addiction, I cannot seem to break,

Without you, I'm lost at sea, forever in your wake.

  © Steve Raines 2024

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A Note on the Power of Poetry

The art of poetry, when crafted with skill and emotion, has the remarkable ability to resonate deeply within the reader. It can awaken dormant memories, stir forgotten feelings, and allow us to experience emotions vicariously through the words on the page. This poem, while a work of fiction, aims to tap into the universal human experience of loss, regret, and the pain of separation.

As you read, you may find echoes of your own experiences or emotions you've witnessed in others. This connection between the written word and our inner world is what makes poetry such a powerful medium. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the complex tapestry of emotions that define the human experience.

Remember, while this piece may evoke strong feelings, it is ultimately a creative exploration of themes presented. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of poetry in expressing and processing complex emotions.

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