A/N-Well, here is one of the saddest poems I've ever written, how Zuko rationilizes his father's abuse and neglect of him. It's really depressing in my mind, how Zuko views his father in almost religious terms and can't break away from this idea that no matter how he logically understands that he was sent on a wild goose chase, he won't admit to it. That's the sad part about abusive relationships, the victim often rationilizes the abuse away, thinking the person will change, thinking it's their own fault. Makes me and I am sure other people (points at amazing reviewer and pal Lunny) want to knock some sense into Zuko but he is who he is. Hopefully, someone will get through to him liike Aang! This is for Firebend and Lunny!
Rationalization
The journey seems so long
I feel I've lost my way
But I take strength in you
I think of you every day
For you, I'll climb the highest hills
I'll sail so far away from home
As an exile, I'll live my life
An impossible road I'll roam
But at the end of this road
No matter how far away it seems
I'll have finally made you proud
I'll have fulfilled both our dreams
I will give all that I have
To my limits and far beyond
I would give my very life
To restore our precious bond
I don't understand why it happened
All I know is you must be right
So I do this penance for my sins
May it find favor in your sight