Under the willow....

In whispers, doubts crept in, A fragile bond, now frayed within. Talks of deceit, a poisoned ear, A heart once open, now filled with fear. We once yearned for a love so true, Intimacy's warmth, our hearts anew. But rumors spread, a toxic stain, And trust, like glass, shattered in vain. Distance grew, a chasm wide, Your silence, a heavy, hollow tide. I reached out, a bridge to mend, But space and time, our friendship did end. I'm left to wonder, what could've been, If only truth, and not hearsay, were seen. But if you choose, to believe the lies, I lack the strength, to open weary eyes. Know this, my heart, remains unchanged, The love I held, though bruised, still ranged. If friendship's what you desire, I'll stay, A bond, though broken, can still find its way. In the end, I'm still me, the same, A soul, though wounded, still bears no shame. If distance is what you need, I'll respect, And cherish memories, our love once inspect.