Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound

My short drive made long with but a word

"Go home" the phrase my conscience heard

It was mercy, I know, from her rage

Those eyes, that stare! She built a cage

The words were spoken slowly and softly with purpose

Not anger, not hatred, not malice were current

But she let slip out her slow cold breeze

It was sadness, yes, and it was a plea

She needed me to look away from her then

To turn away-- leave her mind again

If not, I know, she had words at the ready

A defense well rehearsed-- a weapon held steady

She could scorch my earth with a careful sigh

I've before been helpless just by her eyes

With a well placed word she could herald disaster

Her restraint to be envied, she spared this poor bastard

"Go home" I heard, and surely heard well

I've wanted too much and I've broken the spell

It could have been better, if I'd left it alone

Now homeward bound, I feel dread in my bones

I yearned for too much from her solitary soul.

But she spared this poor bastard. A toast to us both.