Regrets

Written in '85 when I was 14

Your eyes met mine
and your smile comforted me.
We talked and laughed together.
Only a fool would tarnish
this splendid beauty.

I am the fool,
the small bird who leaves the nest
to be free.

But free from what?

The nest is warm, safe and
most of all loving.
There's no reason to be free.

But the damage is done.

I left the nest which has been
so wonderfully good to me.

And it hurts...both of us.

The love I gave was nothing compared
to the love I received in return.
And like all men, we make mistakes - 
some larger than others, and even some
which are not forgivable.

But the love I feel for you
burns long and hard in my soul.
And the bird wishes to light.

I ask you now for forgiveness.
And know you will always have a place
in my heart.