In repentance at your feet

I would.

The tears which form new furrows

in the patterns of sorrow on my heart

Would fall upon your feet

As I bowed my head

In obeisant sorrow,

Begging you to forgive me

If I did,

Would you forgive me?

If I did,

Would you stretch forth your hand

And lift me to my feet?

When you set your eyes upon me,

would I see love,

Or would I see pity,

Or disdain,

Or anger,

Within the splendor of your eyes,

As you answer in a fashion

I stand here

Alone,

Lift up my chin with my will,

And struggle for all the world

To look strong.

No one

Must ever know

How inside I crumble,

As I struggle to breathe

When I look at you.

I am strong,

I am weak,

I am broken.

But you will never know.

I won't let you.

Instead,

I will dance for you,

And smile,

And be as beautiful

As you desire,

Knowing all along

You can never truly love me.

And when I'm gone

You won't remember

The sorrow in the shadows in my eyes

You'll not remember

The tears

You never saw.

You'll never know

The ache,

the emptiness,

The ever present pain

that filled my heart,

All for the joy

To hear your words,

To see you smile because of me,

To feel the tender caress of your fingertips,

The strength of your hands,

But,

If I could fall

In repentance at your feet,

I would,

And beg you to forgive me