Patiently scraping for borrowed time, elusive time

Fleeting happy moments out of the 365

A Pariah, a social butterfly nonetheless

Guilt, uncoursed, unparalleled

Restless nights, cold and solitary

Tear-stained pillows; impeccably clean and soap-scented sheets

Love inadequacy; stirred from deep slumber but more flammable and waterproof

A first person, but playing second to the magnificent One, the Loved One

Delicately principled; wasted, forgotten, uncivilized

Fiercely strong, custom-built; a jelly-kneed, spineless, yes-woman nowadays

Shamelessly boastful; but nothing to show, proof-less

Independent, mind-set; clingy and and reluctant to let go

Immeasurable joy, for a minute, an hour, a day?

Hopeful, anticipation, expectation, all in vain

But courage, self-love

Trying to accept the absence of her heart’s centerpiece,

the hugs, the kisses, the intense feelings

Dreading the looming emptiness, the dwindling intimacies,

the things not meant for her

Maybe…someday with still the presence of immeasurable Love,

another bout of the same? Or of delicadeza?

Heartbreaking realization, and heart-wrenching acceptance…

the Second She, the Other She…