They Say: A Villanelle

They say you can’t miss what you never had.

Who are they and how do they know my heart?

I dare them to tell me why I’m not sad.

My heart’s leaking tears; the break is that bad.

“It’s all in your mind; just make a fresh start.”

They say you can’t miss what you never had.

As time goes on life improves not a tad

and I think of you even at K-mart.

I dare them to tell me why I’m not sad.

I profess my love: they think I’ve gone mad

Life’s a movie, I’m just playing a part.

They say you can’t miss what you never had.

They say to forget you; find a new lad.

The very thought broke what’s left of my heart.

I dare them to tell me why I’m not sad.

Alone in a room with stark walls and pads

because my love-addled mind came apart.

They say you can’t miss what you never had.

I dare them to tell me why I’m not sad.