POOL

My instincts
told me
you were
Damaged Goods.
Ignoring
my own advice
my heart
leaned in
and listened,
intently,
for the
rhythms
of your
hidden depths.
Murky and
indistinct
though they were
I heard
the
soft
beats of
compassion,
love and
loyalty.
Believing
we could,
together,
nurture
ripples
that would
flourish
I dived
in a
graceful arc
and waited.
But,
you never
braved
the depths
preferring
to tread water
at the
shallow end.
Shivering,
you left
the pool,
your water wings
deflated.