The Riptide

My first attempt at a villanelle.

I can watch you being carried away by the sea.

The riptide will catch you as I try to breathe,

And no one will know what this does to me.

A wave, a glance, and you’ll depart from me.

With just a bittersweet smile to remember you by,

I can watch you being carried away by the sea.

This water-bound curse could set us free.

I’ll drown the memory of your kiss, your smile.

And no one will know what this does to me.

Our past is irrelevant; the future is strained, fixated on eternity.

I’ll pretend this changes nothing...

I can watch you being carried away by the sea.

The water beckons, whispers "Be free!"

I'll sever the tether of my heart to your soul,

And no one will know what this does to me.

Your oceanic eyes hold victory

While I'm secretly nursing this internal injury

So I can watch you being carried away by the sea,

And no one will know what this does to me.