I'm Sorry I Didn't Listen

Dear Life
I am so sorry I didn't listen
the first time
you wanted to tell me something
like the time
I fell so deeply in love
that I didn't hold him to his promise
and when I ended up borrowing
thousands to feed his dream
(and mine of love)
or like the time
her friendship was so blessed
and dear to me
that I wanted to make a life
for her of comfort
and could produce only
paltry frozen floors
and headaches (for me)
over how to pay the bills
and then to be de-friended
when she finally realized someone
actually cared that much for her
or like the time
I said I love you so, so often
that he was finally obliged to
mumble something back
under his breath
and I thought it was "I love you"
but it was, "damn you!" instead
or like the time
I believed the promise
and didn't think he'd leave
again
or yet again
or - goddammit - again
I'm sorry life
I didn't listen when you told me
that Love doesn't hurt
and I couldn't hear
that message
I'm so sorry I missed that
other lesson too,
the one when you said
"it will all come to you"
and I thought that meant
I had to don the warriors gear
and fight quite like
a maddened lioness
to get what I thought was mine
only to find it
wasn't meant to be
and that life held
other more wondrous riches
in store for me
or the time...
but they are too countless
the times I didn't listen and
Oh Dear Life,
I'm so sorry I didn't listen
the first time
you wanted to tell me something
or the second, third, or fourth
but I am listening now
and I hear You






From the Box
© 2010 Darshan F Jessop