Chasing Ghosts

I run to her, but never find her there,

A fleeting smile, then walls I cannot scale.

Her love’s a ghost that vanishes in air.

I chase her voice through hallways stripped and bare,

Each echoed step a soft, unfinished wail.

I run to her, but never find her there.

I bring her pieces of myself to spare,

A perfect child in stories I regale—

Her love’s a ghost that vanishes in air.

She looks right through, as if I’m never where

She thought a daughter might at last prevail.

I run to her, but never find her there.

The praise I crave, the warmth I’d gladly wear,

All buried deep beneath her coldest veil.

Her love’s a ghost that vanishes in air.

Still I return, though hope is worn and rare—

A futile chase through love I can’t curtail.

I run to her, but never find her there.

Her love’s a ghost that vanishes in air.