Disclaimer: Unfortunately, Kenshin and his companions do not belong to me, not matter how many prayers I offer to the anime gods. Rurouni Kenshin is a product of the almighty Nobuhiro Watsuki's imagination and belongs to Shueisha Jump Comics, Fuji Television, etc… Please do not sue me, as it would be a waste of your time and money.

Author's notes: This is dedicated to two wonderful friends (you know who you are!) who encouraged me to actually post this for others to read. This poem was written late one night in about half an hour. Now, I'm not usually the kind of person who writes poetry, but I'm kind of proud of this one. =^.^= Oh, and in case the poem doesn't give it away, I'm a rabid Kenshin + Kaoru fan. Comments and criticisms welcome. But please, be gentle. It's my first time.



ACROSS THE DISTANCE

Across the distance

I notice his eyes on me

Quietly assessing, never judging

Piecing together the fragments of my heart

And all the things I cannot voice

Knowing my mind and unable to respond

To the desire of my soul.



Across the distance

I notice the look on his face

Outwardly sweet, inwardly strained

Hiding all the terrors of his past

And the burden of the future

Sorrows real and imagined clinging

To the recesses of his soul



Across the distance

I want to reach for him

Lovingly supportive, fearlessly strong

Providing a pillar of light

And a haven from the storm

My love would be the protection

Against the encroaching darkness



Across the distance

A chasm separates us

Endlessly wide, forever deep

Gathering our insecurities

And throwing them into the abyss

Both too unsure to make a stand

Against the encroaching sadness



Across the distance

I will wait no more

Painfully fragile, tearfully short

Flickering like a spent flame

And dying with the slightest wind

Life is too precious to hold back

All the feelings I have for him.



Across the distance

I begin to move

Slightly unsure, gaining confidence

Moving with a determined purpose

And knowing love will bridge the void

My heart I bare and show to him

All the hopes I have inside.



And across the distance,

I notice the smile on his lips

Sweetly lighthearted, tenderly sincere

Answering the quiet call of my spirit

And letting go of the ties that bind

His heart sings to me and reaches out

Uniting us through eternity.