as clearly as that first day
in the light of the glaring sun
when you still meant nothing to me
i no longer think of you
splattered with blood
always spilled by these hands
but, rather, i remember
your soft words
the gentleness of your touch
your rare, exquisite smile
the strength of your heart
to want to protect
someone like me.
someone who took away everything from you
your way of life.
your beloved.
your future.
and i can only repay your sacrifice
by protecting that which i should've given you
a safe haven. a peaceful, happy life.
children, friends...family. people.
everything you lost, everything we could've built
will live on...will flourish...will grow.
what they see in me, is no longer the person i was
but the memory of you, that i keep.
no longer will i carry a sword to take...but to preserve.
in this way, will you live on...not just as a scar...
but as a promise.