For my secret love

Though it remained unspoken – nary a whisper – it was never forgotten. Our brief salvation.

Easy to regret now. The crush. The solace. Highs built on broken ground. A morning after so predictable. Breaking up under cover. The quiet agony of those seared by furtive fire.

Did you ever confess? I didn’t. And won’t – not until you say otherwise – for this pact is what I keep of you. It is my clandestine treasure. No one knows why these songs make me cry.

You have your husband now. A life lived openly. From the shadows I give thanks. No more need for coded language.

They would cancel me now – if they knew. I would not argue. Say nothing to leave a mark on you. As I promised. As you asked.

I cannot erase the past. Nor will I seek your blessing. I wish only that you know. And you alone. Our affair may have been foolish, perhaps even damaging, yet the secret is the jewel untarnished. Whatever it was – lust, weakness, opportunism – in the long silence it has been redeemed.

We bandaged one another with our collected wounds. It is my veiled wish that you have now attained a measure of healing.

Because I have…and it is good.