I've done it again-- I've let myself love. Briefly, deeply, freely-- and now I hurt! He still loves me-- they all did-- as a big sister, or a little sister, or mother-image, or daughter, or a would-be mistress-- they flattered me and pitied me; then, with a soft pat on my empty head, they said goodbye. And I stood alone once more-- as I stand now-- to wait, to hope for a dream unfulfilled, of love that can never be mine, love that lasts 'til the end of always... When the hurt heals, as it will with time, I will love again, and hurt again, each time as bitterly as the last-- Thus my errant heart wanders, forever and completely alone. --7/13/73
