A Villanelle

If I had not turned my head in pride
if I had only let our difference go
perhaps you would still be here by my side.

My lover, friend, companion of soul and mind
Oh how I wish I hadn't acted so
I wish I had not turned by head in pride

Return to spring, to folly I rewind
Your love ever warm and true
Softly, your gently form would find my side.

And you would love and I would hide
bravely rebelling those who
turned their foolish heads in pride.

But when autumn left me two things to decide
I followed voices, little did I know
I would push away your form by my side.

And move through years denying feelings deep inside
now I live regretting how I let you go
and if I had not turned my head in pride
perhaps your gentle form would find my side.