Two Words

Only two words

So small

That I should say.

I know how much you need to hear them.

I can see it in your eyes

So full of pain

The hurt that I caused.

Oh, I am well aware.

You just don’t know it.

These small words

Are bigger than you realize

(To me)

And they are stuck.

Trapped by my stubbornness

My pride

My own self-doubt –

All large enough to trap

Two little words

And keep them from escaping my lips.

So you are left to read my mind.

Two words are all you want.

Not flowers or flirtation,

Playful charm

That ought to show love

But really

Only attempt to distract you

From the issue at hand.

It never works,

Yet I try it every time.

Until finally

I come to realize what I knew all along:

While my pride matters to me

Your feelings matter more.

So I move it all aside

And say it.

                I’m sorry.

Then all is well.