Does the new one know that, when alone, your mind wanders somewhere else, 

As your fingertips do trace, along your flesh they skim, 

Does he know the face who your mind conjures is not him? 

Are you aware that when you are gone, he thinks not of you, 

But of others he would rather possess, for his words they are not true? 

The one you cast aside in shame, was only desperate for your love, 

You were magical to him for a time, a supple comely dove.

And he had settled for a friend, though his want for more was dire, 

And his bad acts were driven by his love, an all-consuming fire. 

And, yet, you will not allow yourself to believe that you acted badly, 

Will not acknowledge any guilt or debt, only denial sadly. 

You will not free him from the exile that you imposed unfair, 

And give yourself over to false love, as if you’re completely unaware.

How can any person live a life they know is built upon such lies? 

How can one live with them unconfessed and not oneself despise? 

Love was all that mattered to him and it was your right to reject, 

But you owe him for the dishonest cruelty that you unjustly inflicted. 

And, if you hide behind a new face, behind one you cannot truly want, 

The guilt will find you one day, no matter, and will never cease to haunt.

Be true to yourself if anyone and do not pursue what you know is not real, 

And find your heart you damaged, like his, follow it, and heal.