time bound

as i feel my way through the darkness,
my fingers unsure of themselves,
i suddenly hear a voice,
familiar and yet, mocking
i move closer, hoping to find solace,
i hear it laughing.
uneasy, scared as the lonely autumn leaf,
i attempt a smile,
glad to find relief after all,
a helping shoulder to bear the burden of love.
suddenly i see the face,
a shock of clarity in the blur of sorrow,
a face, cruel and angry, filled with despair,
and yet he smiles.
i heard his laughter before,
now it's louder, and enraged.
i realise, in a flash of truth,
that he shares my sorrow.
he knows of the unflinching pain,
he has kept me company
through the darkness.

yesterday i was happy.
now, i sit with time
in the darkness
and smile
while he laughs at me.