If Only You Knew

You looked away,
just a second too long,
and I mistook it
for distance.

I laughed,
just a little too loud,
and you thought
I didn’t care.

We were never fighting,
not really
just slipping on words
meant to hold,
but spoken with
the wrong edge.

You said, “I’m fine.”
I heard, “Don’t ask.”
I said, “Do what you want.”
You heard, “I’m done.”

And there it was
a love still burning,
lost in the smoke
of what we didn’t say.

Somewhere between
your silence
and my pride,
we misplaced forever.

If only you knew
I stayed awake
replaying
that one small moment
that changed everything
not with a bang,
but with a blink.

Reviews

[Alicia-Veracity]

This is truly a beautiful read. Thank you so much for posting this. I love it. It has such a sorrowful and very relatable tone to it. It's so easy in life sometimes to jump to conclusions for every little thing a person does. We often think someone doesn't care, but maybe we're just misinterpreting. Maybe that's what the Bible means when it says, "Love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) We often fail to understand each other, but if we were to choose love, despite these misunderstandings, maybe we could pull through somehow. Maybe we could learn to see the things we might initially be missing. Again, beautiful words and an excellent read. Thank you for this.

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful and heartfelt response. You put it beautifully ,choosing love, even in the midst of misunderstanding, can change everything.I’m really touched the piece resonated with you. Truly grateful for your kind words. 💛

[Kady R.]

Love definitely goes deeper then just the emotions its a choice. To choose to be together everyday and to choose to be with that person in general. The emotions are important but love is definitely deeper then that. This poem shows that there are choices.

How long does it take to really get to know a person??!! A lifetime, longer. I don't know but am I willing to learn that for however long is my choice. Wonderful poem showing the positives and negatives of learning a person. Thanks Nesha!!

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you for the lovely review😊

[Kady R.]

Anytime🤗🤗🤗

[Kelly Scheppers]

Extraordinary lines that leave me in awe. Why is it that what we didn't say, is something that always comes back to haunt us? So wonderful to meet you, Neha!

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you so much that truly means a lot. And yes, isn't it strange how the words left unsaid echo the loudest later? It’s like silence has a memory of its own. So lovely to meet you too! I have a feeling this conversation will linger in the best way. 💫

[Lorry]

Love has a way of burning in the smoke of what people didn't say, but think they heard.

[Neha agrawal]

Very true😊

[Victoria]

As someone who understands how quickly situations can change due to misinterpretation, I found this to be well versed in subtle cues that have different meaning, I appreciate how it was worded and the back and forth because of lack of communication really stand out. I found this both honest, easily understood, and wildly enough accurate. Great work. I enjoyed it.

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you so much that means a lot. Misunderstanding and subtle miscommunication can change everything.

[Buddhistboy73]

Ah the subtleties of body language and what we say and don't say to each other........our minds have a great capacity (to mess up !!)

I liked the way this poem plays on the emotions....it's a journey with the two characters....and ultimately ends in frustration for both,.....

Thanks for sharing ...:)

BB73

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you so much for supporting my work. It really made my day and lifted my spirits.

[John the Baptist]

This one makes an interesting comment on human relationships. If people are not sure of themselves, or of the other person, egos come into play. Both statements and silences can be misinterpreted, and trust can be destroyed. Only later, when it's too late, can realization speak the truth. I like very much the way the last verse illustrates this.

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you for your kind words.

[Soren]

Miscommunication so well represented in this poem. The short lines evoke a feeling of terseness as when communications go bad. What is not said, tone of voice, body language misinterpreted. Different definitions to words. And after the result that can not be retrieved what might have been no longer is. Very nicely written

[Neha agrawal]

Thank you so much for your kind words .It really means a lot and you are right this poem is all about miscommunication. You truly understand the core of the poem.

[DIVYA]

Yes I can understand. Even machines are now more understanding than humans. Sometimes I feel we don't need people anymore.

[Neha agrawal]

I think that too because now a days human can't understand human they are just trying to pull others leg and just insulting them in every way possible just because the other one is doing good. Thanks for stopping by and review my work --- I appreciate it.😊

[DIVYA]

So true Neha. Such duplicity of intention, adulteration in love, in words, in everything. I understand you totally. And you're most welcome. 💐💕

[Michael Sun Bear]

I am single, living alone again, have been for the last couple years. The last time I lived alone I was in my twenties. I have been missing being married, being in a committed relationship, but you just reminded me how easily a relationship can go terribly awry, and I gotta say, I know exactly of what you speak and I sure don’t miss that!

[Neha agrawal]

No you don't and don't take it to the heart. You will soon find someone to cherish you as well.