PURGATORY

Who am I
to intrude upon
your thoughts, your time, your space
to ask for something, anything
except a selfish, old fool
with the audacity
to love you so ardently

Who am I
to silently seek your attention
unable to get you off my mind
enamoured, smitten, haunted
dreaming, imagining, pining
without you even knowing
of my affections

Who am I
to ask for reciprocity of feelings
when I lack the courage
to reveal myself
afraid as I am
of the consequences
and so live on, unrequited

Who am I
with a yearning, craving, abiding passion
but without the voice to speak up
as I wish I could
Courage, always the laggard
reining in unfulfilled promise
restricting it to regretful remorse

If you know
answer me
so I can find myself