A/N: (sighs heavily) Yes, yes, I know- another end of Wrath of Khan piece cannot be particularly original. It's all been said before. Some of us are caught in a time warp 20 years old. But that's okay. How many TOS adventures were based on time travel, after all? This is from Kirk's POV.

Thanks to all who reviewed my previous poem.

Denial

I am so keyed up inside,

Pressure building within pressure,

Soon I will burst into ragged fragments.

I cannot hold you

Or even call your name.

I dare not admit to pain

And feelings of denial.

You- you were to be the one

With me always

While others slipped by,

Faded away,

Gave way to another golden day.

For us there would always be

Another obstacle to overcome,

A reason to run the gauntlet once again.

With you at my side

It was easy to hide

The emptiness of a hollow image.

You knew me for the man I really am,

Not Starfleet's finest.

But your faith brought out

The best in me.

I cannot overcome this alone.

I am too old,

Too dependent on your strength.

I will not say it-

I will not admit my grief.

I will not let go, my friend.