Ruby Ring Poem by Denise Zhou

It was a gift,
you gave in love.
You were entranced
by me.

I don't know why,
but I loved you back
and expressed it
at great lengths.

We were legends,
the perfect pair,
the talk of the town,
but there was
something
you were hiding.
I saw it in your eyes,
but didn't ask.

I should have known
what was going on.
You left me
for another.

She was beautiful,
kind, fair, and smart.
Talented, gifted
with many skills.

You betrayed me,
for her,
and I understand.
But did you
have to lie to me,
pretend you loved me?
Now I can't trust
anyone ever.

That gift you gave me
in love,
while entranced,
was only
a bribe, I see now.
Trying to buy
my love with
insignificant gifts.

It lays shattered
by your words,
red shards scattered
on the ground.

My heart,
my love,
is broken, my
ruby ring.