Of Betrayal - A Villanelle

Look me in the face,

Tell me the truth.

Don’t hide your sins in this sick race.

Though your heart is muddled as you pace –

The dreams and what-ifs are proof –

Look me in the face.

You’ve led me on this chase,

This farce, enamored spoof:

Don’t hide your sins in this sick race.

I should have sprayed you with mace;

Taken my shattered pieces and left you, face the truth.

Look me in the face.

I said no to your advances, tried to be safe

As you pushed the issue and made me guilty, made me deny what was there in truth –

Don’t hide your sins in this sick race.

I loved you once, for the friendship on which all was based,

But you – he who I trusted most, knew me best, best friend –

Look me in the face.

Don’t hide your sins in this sick race.