A Friend's Betrayal

Inside this intensified persona
that I have come to know.
Locked within the depths
of my being.
Of dreams unfulfilled;
fantasies unbroken,
realities yet to be seen...
Hides the truth I keep within.

Sealed with the very essence
of my pride.
It roams within, lingering...
Free of my sensitivity,
it hides within.

Its gentle voice implores me:
to understand,
to forgive,
to forget...
But how can I,
When my trust has been
betrayed.
My pride, hurt.

Should there be room for forgiveness?
Should that very same trust be given back?
Should everything just be left in the past
after all that's taken place?

I still do care;
but my heart bleeds,
my pride indignates...

...an arrant offense gains
an arrant reproof!!!