A Telling Tale

There you are! I have been looking all over
For you -- I worry … about you! Losing sleep
Worried, wringing of hands, searching.
The yearning – I know. I feel it, too. Me?
Let’s not talk about me; not worried ‘bout me.
In the waking mists, your soul cries.
Bitter February grazes on your patience
You have seemed depressed; I worry.
And in the fermenting afternoon, when
Strength begins to falter – I see weakness.
The ghost in the machine stretched too thin
Dissipating. Delusional dedication delegates-
Pain, and hardship ... for what? A name
It doesn’t mean much ... you’re fine? Ah, good.
What, me? No! Why, of course I’m fine!
Queer look! Don’t hex me with that eye of yours
Not looking into my heart would be better
for both of us. I (too) walk with my head down.
And I have felt the sting of the Adversary
His laughter over my conquered endurance.
Well, good luck. Don’t give up. I won’t.
Not on you, not on me. You’n me, we understand
each other. Me? No, let’s not talk about me.
I’m fine. Couldn’t be better.
I lie. I am lost, and ... Right, well then
Go away now. Still a lot to do, to save a few
Shreds of humanity. Day ain’t over yet. Best
Get on with it, eh? So close! Heh, heh, bye now!