Things That Cannot Be Shared (Poetry)

There was a time I thought that truth was everything —
essential — I could not contemplate a time
it would be best and kinder to keep all
I know unsaid — and give the lie its ground.

It would be easier to shout what really happened —
make somebody listen — make you hear
the way things were — at least give you the chance
to consider what you can or can’t believe.

Except the years have added weight to those untruths —
laid them down like strata — gradually compressed
they now form the whole foundation of your life
and to undermine it seems so selfish and too cruel.

So the truth becomes a burden I must bear
alone — I feel like Atlas shouldering the careless world
crushing down — I wish that I could throw
this knowledge from me — unknow what I know.

Anger has it — drives me to be strong — a little arrogant
to counterbalance hurt and the awful confirmation
that I’m right to bury this — and swallow irony
for love of you — to save you from your own
                                unacknowledged guilt.

It’s been a long divide — too long to turn events around —
put right our history that went so wrong so suddenly
and point an accusing finger — name those who betrayed
the both of us. — It’s way too late to prove anything to you.

You — who would resist believing at all costs —
your stubbornness inherited — too young and inexperienced
to add up inconsistencies — the truth cannot be changed —
perhaps someday you’ll stumble on it unexpectedly...

My mind’s made up — I cannot be the bearer of such news.