Mercy

A sad smile graces his lips as his hand comes forward to caress my cheek.
“Don’t touch me!”  I exclaim, seeming like a feral kitten.
He knows I dare not strike.

“Please…” He pleads.
And I know I have hit a nerve.

“I can’t bear it..”  I stammer. 
Why won’t he just leave me alone?
The tears in his eyes reflect the sadness in my own.
I cannot help but pity him.

Lovers, we once were.
But his worldly ways would not sate.
For I, alone, could not satisfy him.

In the worst way,
He left me.
In the worst way,
He betrayed me.

And now,
Here he is.
Begging for mercy--
My mercy.

But it is not mine to give.
I shall never give what is not mine to give.
Just as I shall never take what is not mine to take.

Once, I gave him my heart, my soul--
My everything,
And he spurned me.

He wants forgiveness.
He wants mercy.
But I cannot give him what is not mine to give.

“Go…” I say to him.
“Please…”  I beg of him.
I try to feign indifference.
But my voice betrays me.
This, he can see.
For his silence tells me everything.

As he turns to walk away,
I curse my outstretched hand as it, too, betrays me.
I won’t deny it--
I long for him.

But he is not mine to take.
I shall never take what is not mine to take.
Just as I shall never give what is not mine to give.

Reviews

[Lucinda Bogart]

What can I say that hasn't already been said ?? Wonderful.....I mean really really good...the betrayal of a lover, the betrayal of self...the self loathng for needing and wanting and giving in. Haven't we all felt that way at some time or the other or one relationship or another ?? Great stuff !!

[Kaleidoscope Apocalypse]

This was wonderfully written. The idea that you brought forth, the wisdom with which you wrote this, they are quite evident. You've done a masterful job with this piece.
I love it! Magnificent work of art!

[Kenneth Hunt]

Contest winner I say, without a doubt in my mind. Exilerating, and awe inspiring, this poem is one of the best that I have ever read.

[Robert Luna]

I really liked this. The story within the heart of the piece and the story of the piece itself were both breathtaking to bear witness to. I liked the flow of words and the wisdom and ideas you brought to light. This is a wonderful piece and I will pass it along to other if you don't mind. I really enjoyed this and the style in which you wrote this was perfect.

Wonderfully Done!!!!!