It has not always been this same way

For there once was but nothing to say 

Eighteen, easily swept away

By things which with all yearned to play.   

It was dazzling diamonds dancing even in darkness

Words that women wrote wistfully, but never heard whispered

Rows of roses on rooftops

And tons of tulips on top of twine wrapped tokens

Intertwined ideas and issues of “I love you’s”

Said in the sand somewhere where sweet arms swayed me in synchrony with the salty sea who saw our smiles

And requited them in the rare relief of roaring riptides relenting

Where everything was beautiful

And everything was fair 

My love was always dutiful

Now his heart is elsewhere

I was so happy in that time

Now I’m trapped behind tall steel bars 

Then, everything I wanted was mine. 

Now, as the warden, my soul he mars. 

With two-timing tongues that told tales of triumph and truth now torturing me 

With rude remarks retorted like razors ravaging and 

Disparaging the depths of darkness dwelling deep

In the spaces separating the sickly strings of my heart. 

He’s controlling my complexion and corrupting my contentment

With his words not whispered or written but wailed

With rings not wrapped ‘round rough fingers

Instead imprinted in prints of fingers ‘round my neck

Crashing currents constantly carrying me back

Yet in their play pulling me under past the point of return 

To the happiness I yearn

So my only advice to you

Is the thing you should not do.

Don’t live the life that’s mine. 

Don’t let anyone confine 

The wand’ring of your soul. 

The meeting of your goal. 

For your eyes are wide and bright,

But will dote the first in sight

So if you learn anything tonight:

Anything at all

Make sure he treats you right. 

I’ll catch you if you fall.