How do I tell you I'm sorry -

With a gesture, a look, a touch?

How is it I never realized

I hurt you so very much?

I do not ask forgiveness,

A comfort I'll never deserve.

I merely want to let you know,

But I cannot find the nerve.

To finally confront you, face-to-face,

To look you in the eye,

To face your wrath, your apathy -

Too terrified to try.

You called me selfish, I turned away,

I festered and I fled;

Cutting and wounding and lashing out,

Just to see if you bled.