more than one but not quite close to two

More than one but not quite close to two
spans the time from when I met you
to when I finally got to know the real you.

The first sweet taste
of your candy coated essence ensued,
catching me off guard
as its sharp, deafening notes
were softened by a melody that soothed.

I saw all the clues from the opening scene.
I saw the red flags,
knowing damn well what they mean.
I saw what I knew could be me if I faltered,
then my curiosity awoke
and my vision became altered.

I’ll see where this goes.
I’ll give it some time.
I am not ignorant
to the witch and her crimes.

So big was my head
that I feared no disaster.
The lotus she fed me
took my sight,
so I was unable to see past her.

Where did they go?
My life’s targets and goals?
Why did I willingly
fall into her throes?

More than one but not quite close to two
are the days that have passed
since I finally let go of you.

This bitter aftertaste you have left,
the real taste of the real you,
has started its exit.
I can almost taste freedom,
which now tastes so new.

As the lotus you offered
detoxes from within,
everything feels dead,
like a fight with no foreseeable end.

I know now again
what I knew from the gate.
All of the signals returning,
what a cruel turn by fate.

As my vision gets clearer
and the further I veer
from the witch and her spell,
I hear her devilish screaming
getting farther from my ear.

I gave it a chance
and allowed for one dance,
but I was weak
and she saw that
at her first wicked glance.

Thank the stars
that the fog has finally started
to burn away with the sun.
Soon I will be stronger,
strong enough to run.

More than one but not quite close to two
count the lives that you have stained
since I first met you.