in love

I loved her with a silent ache, Like autumn trees that shed their leaves, A quiet fall for love’s own sake, Though knowing spring may never weave Its warmth around my frozen heart, I stayed, I hoped, though worlds apart. She was the dawn that touched the skies, But never lingered where I stood, Her gaze was soft, yet far, and wise, Not meant for me, though if it could, I’d gather stars to light her way, Yet shadows led me astray. She loved another, far beyond The reach of words I longed to say, Her laughter, like a distant song, Carried my hope but blew away. I watched her bloom, while roots of pain Bound me to a dream in vain. I saw the light within her eyes, But it was never mine to hold, Like sunsets fading from the skies, A beauty fleeting, pure, and cold. For she was his, her heart entwined, In him, her love and fate aligned. And so I loved her from afar, A quiet love, a secret prayer, I buried it beneath each star, A yearning neither here nor there. I gave her smiles she never knew, While holding wounds that slowly grew. I was the storm before the calm, She was the peace I couldn't reach, Her heart was warm, my hands were balm That healed the wounds she let him breach. Yet even then, she looked away,