Afterwards (Poetry)

It seems too late to mourn
for that which died so many years ago
affection long forsworn
or never there — there’s no way I could know
for all that wasted time
spent practising emotion’s careful game
has left no trace — no sign
you ever cared or understood my pain.

Now finally you’re gone
and bridges are no use — the gap’s too wide
too deep — the tears won’t come
there’s just an ache — a hollowness inside
and anger’s lost its sting —
colder shadows haunting in its place
yet feeling not a thing
except regret I will not miss your face.