The Art of Self-Betrayal- Lost Love
Lost Love …
Betrayal in love is one of our greatest fears and if it eventuates, pain. The question is is it love that lets us down or our expectations of it, our ineptitude to uphold such an ideal. Perhaps it is we who betray ourselves? The following work explores this conundrum. Hope you enjoy my thoughts….
Sufficed to say the arms of love in betrayal
can break more than hearts,
as darkness infringes upon a now lost hope
woven in denial of the harm conceived
when love’s sigh is burdened too much to breathe.
Rushes of sheer panic leave flesh trembling,
decimated from the one true belief we hold,
that love will conquer all, yet
in that same breath bleed us dry,
as fickle the hearts of humankind.
We seek answers, see not the coming fall,
yet blind is love when love is all,
and risk is taken to realms unknown,
left to tell us we are prone to our own wants
rather than reality’s reaping.
We betray ourselves for not believing,
that not love but people are inept,
volatile and so insecure,
shallow pools of striving for self,
not at all ready to be selfless and unconditional.
So, in our struggle to be loved
we risk all for whims of wishful wants,
and dreams as yet not realised,
all for the yearning of love
that can in no way be owned.
Instead, we tread the turn-styles of repetitious plight,
remarking the paths of fallen life,
until one day we come to know,
it was our expectation and selfish wants
that prohibited the seeds we’ve sewn,
coming to fruition.
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Tony well written poetry on a pain I think we have all felt. I was reading an essay last night and the author was taking about the same issues you discussed he felt that all of us change and love changes and without the work it does not remain. I enjoy conversations on the complexities of love. W.H. Auden kept a list of all the people he loved throughout his whole life and kept a “love journal.” Also a pleasure to read your poetry Tony I hope all is well. Jamie
Thanks, Jamie, yes love is a complex subject that bewilders most of us at one time or another. Change is the key as you say, for two people to change and evolve together is rare, sadly. I’m well my friend, writing of course and music as well. Playing the guitar and creating music has always been a love. Take care
The pain is sometimes too much to bear when our world is shattered by betrayal. For some the hurt never heals and the pain is a constant reminder of what “could have been.” Your last stanza says so much more than the words alone; expectations aren’t always predictable and for love to flourish, it must be unselfish love. Nicely done
Glad you appreciated it, Ralph. Cheers my friend and take care.