The Distance Between Now and Then
by Michael Doyle

There's a hurt deep inside you.
It makes you say things you shouldn't do.
Lashing out at things that aren't true.
I get this because I once loved you.

I'm leaving you and thoughts of you behind.
The things you did really changed my mind.
The more that you did, really opened my eyes
Until the point I had no choice but to recognize

It's that distance between here and now.
I really wish I could have still loved you somehow.
I see the pain and all of your confusion,
But your betrayals broke apart my illusion.

Once, I didn't even know the sound of your name.
If it makes it easier for you, I will take the blame.
Seeing what I saw and heard, it can't be the same.
But if it makes it easier for you, I will take the blame.

Along our journey, I ignored all the signs.
I played make-believe that you were truly mine.
Look at me, darling, straight into my eyes,
See the emptiness fade into the broken blue skies.

It's that distance between here and now.
I really wish I could have still loved you somehow.
I see the pain and all of your confusion,
But your betrayals broke apart my illusion.

The flame of pain feels like something reverent,
Almost, but we both know that it's a bit different.
Still, I whisper a prayer to the holy God above,
And I remember to my core that you were my love.

I felt so lonely as I barely crawled across our floor.
The things you did were damn near impossible to ignore.
And now that you want to play your game of placing blame.
All I can think of is that the need is quite the shame.

It's that distance between here and now.
I really wish I could have still loved you somehow.
I see the pain and all of your confusion,
But your betrayals broke apart my illusion.

(c) August 15, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved