Betrayal -

Betrayal

I reached the bar a bit late

Than the decided time

He was there sitting alone

Sipping his second or third pint

Settling in the seat I apologised

A lengthy explanation followed

For the delay, which I doubt, he heard

Lost as he was in his own thoughts

With a distant look in his eyes

Toasted my full glass with his half full

As is the routine

Then tentatively broached the subject

Careful not to hit his frazzled nerves

Which I thought were quite fragile

But he was far away from that

Immune to pain

Whatever turmoil and agony he had suffered

Felt he had made peace with them

Though I could sense it was a flimsy peace

At mercy of the changing winds

That had their own mind

Yet he sat proudly on top of the rubble

Of his demolished life

Confident of building again

And if not

Content with a tent that would provide some shelter

From the winds of betrayal

And farcical storms of a deranged mind

That was once dear to him