An Anguished Soul

The eyes never hide what the heart distinctly feels.

His pained eyes revealed the presence of an anguished soul.

The torturous past from which he could not elude.

Left his life in the present broken as a drunken recluse.

A heart far too battered not even true love could restore.

His fear of happiness sabotaged what he felt he didn’t deserve.

Punishing her merciful spirit; revenge for those long gone.

She loved him regardless – her gentle heart saw beyond the pain.

He refused to see she was truly incomparable to most.

So unperceptive of her love & spirit, his pain so afflicting.

She gave everything she had, he took without flinching. 

His drunken words began to hurt & wound her flesh more.

Her once gentle spirit became hardened to the wounds.

Fighting back her words atrocious; words she never spoke.

This once gentle woman now a stranger to her own reflection.

Once naïve, now feeling the weight of all his life’s sufferings.

She is forever changed, wondering why she became his prey.

Why was she chosen to be pillaged for all those who had injured him?

He cries he will always love her; he can’t be with her or without her.

Love is not about suffering & revenge; broken she will venture on.

​Sandra Robinson is a Featured Author on Channillo.com and has published this poem on Niume.com.