You always do this.

A pattern I always fall for.

A trick you know to pull.

Either a fallout of my naivety or the consequences of your character.

A history I fail to want to learn from.

Behavior you feel little incentive to change.

***

It starts with a promise.

Telling me exactly what I want to hear.

The sweet whisper that promises care and rescue.

The bait on the end of the line.

Enough to build the blocks of hope.

Stoke the thoughts of change.

***

Then the retraction starts.

Bits and pieces removed in the name of necessities.

Compromise I agree to in hope of some kind of payout.

I’m already hooked by hope.

One by one the blocks are knocked down.

Fire left to burn to coals.

***

In the end there is nothing left but ashes and hurt feelings for me.

There is no payout or care.

The promise fell flat.

I knew it would end this way.

But I continue to follow the pattern lead by hope.

Until only ashes remain.