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Running Scared

when we first met
I could see
that
behind the clouds
in your eyes
there lay a radiant sunshine

as time passed
the clouds dissipated
and the sun shone on me
and I heard
of the one
you had thought was
the love of your life
who treated you so badly
and left you
for another

and I remembered
Running Scared
a long-ago song
by the great Roy Orbison
where the singer tells
of his fear
that the ex-lover will return
and reclaim the girl

because I too
dreaded that moment
so when
inevitably
it arrived
like Roy
I trembled
but
I extended my hand
to you
and barely heard
your whispered
I’m sorry