Dark Waiting 2

I’ve come to accept
what we do

There is no mystery
in the act
Only the puzzle
of your shame

Afterwards you retreat
or even cry
You beg for my forgiveness

At fourteen I understand
that what we share
fills a human need
like eating
or sleeping
that can’t be denied

Who else would you
come to?
We are alone
in the world

I could refuse you now
and you would stay away
but the ache within me
would be my only companion

I keep our secret
with mixed emotions
I could tell
and they would take you
Relieve my burden
set me free
to find a path
on my own
without the safety
of your loving arms