Too Late Poem by Cheryl L. DaytecYañgot

I celebrated songs for years
Of the sea ringing in my ears
As I waited for your return
I never thought Faith you would burn
What was there on the other shore
That made our distance stretch some more?
I had to find out from a friend
You got married; that was our end

You called, pleading for forgiveness
I was too hardened by the mess
I said that with finality
Perdition was your destiny
Mammoth pain progressed to anger
I cast happiness to the fire
Like ice disdained by summer heat
My heart simply refused to beat

I could not recapture laughter
Such as we had, with another
Because I could not trust it then
It was heartbreak soon to happen
To feel joy was to forgive you
For deceit, such grace was not due
Solitude was my one comfort
No peace could come from any port

I welcomed and nurtured silence
Bolted all the doors of release
I would not even say your name
It was invocation for pain
Cradling hate in my heart for years
I fiercely battled against tears
And never let them stain my face
Who were you to conquer my days?

I am now old, wrinkled by age
Mellowed by time, I plunked my rage
Now I sit by my cold window
I bear so profound a sorrow
I count the drops of pelting rain
I wish I could escape this pain
How can I ever let you know
Hatred is gone; I forgive you?

Over the phone, your wife told me
You died at 5 AM today.