Phantom Smiles and Fond Lies

Talked with you today,
Just chatting on awhile-
What I would not pay
To back up; to retreat just a mile.

Your ghostly laugh,
Sweet phantom smile,
Wreak their merciless wrath
On the simplicity of this child.

Memories, recollections, reminiscence
All play the requiem
Of silver-toned, blissful ignorance.

Who are you now but a pile of dust?
Is what you once were just a fond lie?
How do we know you have done what you must?
You might do better to seize up and die.

That way I might not have to face
These memories, the apparitions
That haunt my thoughts, mess up my pace.
My soul burns from reality's attrition:
The attacks of your phantom smile
And my heart's fond lies.