A Distant Acquaintance

Have you ever heard of him?

I have.

I’ve heard he is cruel, unrelenting.

I’ve heard stories of his cold grip and sly smile,

stories of his most infamous strikes.

He was not someone I cared to come across.

Have you ever seen him?

I have.

I saw him coming and viewed him as a challenge.

If I was prepared he couldn’t hurt me.

He was quiet for a while just watching,

seeking to learn my weaknesses I suppose.

Lurking in the shadows,

waiting to greet me.

Have you ever met him?

I have.

When he came, I stood tall and looked him in the eyes.

That was all it took, just a single glance

and he had won,

it wasn't even a fight.

He placed pins in the corners of my eyes and tears became a steady stream,

He struck up a match in my lungs and breathing began to burn,

He filled my ears with water and I began to drown in my thoughts,

He took my heart

and did what he does best.

All as I stood back and watched,

I was an innocent bystander witnessing my own personal atrocity.

Have you ever heard of heartbreak?

Have you ever seen heartbreak?

Have you ever met heartbreak?

I have.

My quarrel with heartbreak is not one that will be told often,

but after I stitch up what he broke,

Will I be okay?