Something I Learned From You.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

i listened well when you first told me.
you were crying then, and i placed my hands
over your hair to appease you.

you said you were abused, and the stigma still
clings like clams to a rock, like parasites to
an intestine.

i could have believed you until i have seen
you and the abuser together in the park of your
dreams, still close, and sharing.

was it ice cream? or a bed? or was it the sweater?
i can't exactly remember. But i learned my lesson.
Trust is seldom. Truth is a tooth. I am better

all alone. You lied and i still want to believe you.
You miss your abuser. You love to be with him again.

what an irony of life. How tragic can it be!