How to tell

How can I tell when you mean what you say

When you say you love me

When you hold me

When you tell me she doesn't mean anything

When you tell me...

That I'm the one

 

How can I trust your words

When in the past they were justified by

The very actions you carried

The past you towed

The love you kept close in mind

The habits you kept

The betrayal you persisted upon

 

How can I see you differently

When I was hurt many times over

When you told me you wanted her

When my heart was stabbed with a thorn

When you showed to me that I didn't mean

As much as you claimed

 

How can I look into the light

Of the bright future

When the shadows and hauntings

Of the vile past

Ride on my shoulders

Claiming that what you say

Isn't what I mean to you.