It's the end of the world, today, she said,

tears in her eyes, shaking her head,

whatever I had, I know I've lost,

nobody knows but me.

Hoped for a year, lived for the day,

murdered by seconds, the hours ticked away,

loneliness nestles where happiness lay.

Heartbeats without number, love in the rain,

shadows and echoes come again and again,

dreams held so close and fading so fast,

promises made but broken at last.

Days long and empty, dreading the night,

nights without sleeping, waiting for light,

feeling the hurt of not getting it right.

Back in the 'now' time clutching at straws,

painful mementos hiding in drawers,

a swift recollection, only half yours,

a smile, a tear, a closing of doors.

End Note: A friend of mine came bravely out and was rapturously happy for a few months, then her lady left her to return to her husband, her house in a tree-lined suburb, her swimming pool and her new, trendy, red sports car. My friend was terribly hurt, but I'm very happy to report that she's over it now.

Canberra ACT © Dermott Ryder