Pages

I read your mind
But it wasn't a very interesting read
The plot was contrived
And the characters were too consumed by need

Page by page
Enduring each predictable turn
The paper dissolves beneath my fingers
And the syllables burn

The fairy tale you sell is a lie
But I read the truth behind your eyes
These words just don't ring true
And tell me all I need to know about you

Edit and revise
Until your conscience was cleared
I tried to read the words that were true
But the ink had smeared

Distorted prose
Penetrating layer by layer
Scrawled down for all the world to see
As if anyone would care

I read your mind
Suffered through every last detail
I watched you try to make sense of your life
And I watched you fail