We were too ethereal

Hello, opponent! I bring Critmas tidings in the form of a critique.

Well, I always like when people take the idea of a breakup and put an artistic spin on it. (As well as successful relationships, come to think of it )

So, this poem: Outstanding first verse! It's just such a universal problem, but the one nobody wants to experience, yet just about everybody runs into it sooner or later. It's the kind of thing where two wonderful people just don't work together; or, taken to a more extreme conclusion, the kind of relationship you see in Gone Girl (I'm assuming that in this case

SPOILER ALERT

You aren't thinkin of murderous intent or revenge, though.)

END SPOILER

'Illusion' is a fantastic metaphor!

Following on with 'fate' and 'mistakes', and equating them due to the nature of the situation is also inspired. I suppose that, sometimes, old relationships, however painful, can produce other results or experiences that are useful, so in this way, it could have been 'fate' rather than a 'mistake'.

The third verse is harsh. It sounds like the speaker was really in love to start with, while the other party may have been using them. And then, of course, the speaker realised that the other person wasn't what they thought, and the other person clearly didn't care to learn more about the speaker.

I love how they tried to chase after the 'illusion'. It's powerful because the illusion isn't running, it's walking. It wouldn't be too hard to chase after it, and they make a cursory attempt, but the fact that they're 'too ethereal' points to them not having a strong enough relationship, or a desire for that relationship, to really chase it. The roots of their relationship are not deep. But this isn't expressed as totally bad, either: 'And we both got away'. That sounds like there's some relief in it.

The last verse could be construed as positive or negative, like a few other things in the poem, helping to keep the universal application.

Great work! I truly enjoyed this poem.