He was endless hope
When her smile dipped beneath tears
Puddled in creases
More rapidly appearing
On her face than ever ought.
Somehow she misgauged
The like he felt even though
She wanted to hold
On to who they were always,
He saw she was far broken.
Each day she kept it
Under control, but lost it
When she realized
She was failing in loving
Him without his loving her.
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
