If you get too close,
I’ll pull away.
If you talk too kindly,
I won’t stay.

If you push too hard,
I’ll say no.
If you stay too long,
I’ll just go.

If you try too hard,
I’ll soon leave.
If you enquire too personally,
I’ll simply deceive.

But,

If you pull away,
I’ll track you down.
If you don’t stay,
I’ll surely drown.

If you say no,
I won’t know what to do.
If you just go,
I’ll blame it all on you.

If you leave me,
you will soon see
If you deceive me,
I’ll simply plea.

Please,

That you return
and never go.
That I’ve changed,
don’t you know?

That I am
sincerely sorry.
That you don’t
need to worry.

That I am a
new man.
That I have a
mental health plan.

That I won’t
repeat the cycle.
That you are
my one true idol.

That it is your company
that I crave.
That I will worship you
to your grave.

This poem is from the book, ‘Bound To The Wings Of A Butterfly’.

Read more from the colleciton, download a free copy, or purchase as a Paperback, eBook, Hardcover or Audiobook.

Poetry

Words Flee

If You Get Too Close

Zachary Phillips