I made a promise,

long ago,

to not let anyone

within my sight

die.

I swore this oath,

on the grave

of the one,

who I could not

save.

Now I am faced

with a conflict

that I can not

solve.

I must save

this poor child's soul,

who has dropped

far below.

Under the tides

and waves of vows,

how can I ever

decide now.

For a second

vow made,

though not this day,

only a few years ago.

I promised not to die.

Myself must come home,

to see my wife

and child's eyes.

To see them laugh,

at least one more time

One must break a vow.

To hope to avail both?

Hope is not an option,

when truth is so close.

Shall this one ask faith?

No, faith is not for a one,

such as thee, a disgrace.

Two vows, one life.

Death or Greif

Either way,

we suffer

my dear young friend.