The thoughts—
They hide within my head
Teasing me relentlessly—
And into madness I am lead

You utter when I’m sleeping—
Burdening me with chatter
I just need some peace—
But to you does it matter

Please, I ask—
What is it you seek
Never though not an answer—
You listen not as I speak

I hear you so plainly—
And each word that you say
My cognition is clouded—
So please tell me,
tell me the way

I want to be alone—
And you out of my mind
My mind would be clear then—
It is that I beg you;
please be so kind

For how I can I help you—
So that I can be free
I need you to listen—
Otherwise, there is no me

If only I’d known—
That you’d never leave
I could explain to my sanity—
That you denied its reprieve

(Written for the painting titled ‘If Only I’d Known’)