I came, a child, so young, so unaware,

An object to admire and behold,

I let you paint my portrait, let it share

That life, and love, were out of my control.

*

I touched your cheek and let you know I saw you,

I kissed you just to let you know I could,

I knew I had the power that could draw you,

A power that I hardly understood.

*

I hated you for showing me perfection,

I hated you because you disapproved,

I hated, and I loved, our strange connection,

I killed only what had to be removed.

*

And still I cannot shake this growing dread,

That love, salvation, freedom, now are dead.