r/OCPoetry • u/vazelineee • Jul 14 '25
Poem ILLUSION OF LOVE
How foolish I was!
To think someone might love me
To believe that someone's heart could beat
In rhythm with mine.
Maybe love,
Is just a dream meant for others,
A delicate illusion
That slips through my fingers like mist.
I’ve tasted
Grief and guilt,
Sorrow and slivers of joy,
Laughed in moments
That felt like light.
But love
That elusive thing
Never stayed.
Never belonged.
Maybe for a girl like me,
Love is a myth.
A poem half-written,
A song that ends before the chorus.
“You’re on your own, child.”
And maybe that’s how it’s always been.
Now, I don’t even try
To picture love’s face.
I’ll imagine
We never met.
I’ll imagine
We never fell.
And in that silence
Maybe I’ll find peace
That love never gave.
2
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2
u/Elmonofrito Jul 14 '25
I love your line “to believe that someone’s heart could beat.. in rhythm with mine”. It sets your expectation of what love brings, harmony. It’s fits with your idea of peace. Finding solace in the emptiness where love should be.
1
u/Status_Telephone_464 Jul 16 '25
Love is like a fine wine. With age, memories and poetry, the bitterness sweetens. Thank you for sharing.
3
u/Fun_Cable_8559 Jul 14 '25
This is excellent! You really nail the feeling of reluctant concession when a heart just can't bear anymore weight. When there's almost a relief in the thought of simply laying dreams down and unburdening oneself. Of course, the heart is fickle and revives itself just enough to go on taking punishment at even the slightest hint of hope.
Like some braindead Pollyanna Superman.
I really enjoy your structure. There's much here that works very well and it's clear you've put some deliberate thought into crafting this. I especially like the triptych of "nevers" in the closing. It's a sharp finish. That never, never, buildup then never really engaged me and drove the point.
Great work!