I'm Sorry

How do I tell you I'm sorry -
With a gesture, a look, a touch?
I do not ask forgiveness,
I merely want to let you know.

To finally confront you,
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.

Five years and forever passed
To bring us to this day,
When I present these simple words
I never thought to say.

I want you to hear those two words,
To help get rid of all the pain,
To help understand my dearest wish:
To know you once again.

The years aged me remarkably,
Though they haven't made me wise;
I do know I messed up -
For that I apologize.