To the bitter end,
where I said I’d be,
where I said I’d go.
The pressure of this evolution,
not in the least bit hostile.
I set to rend
this picture from its framing.
I set to light
this fire and walk away,
but then I saw you
stand upon your pyre
and climb down to me.
Giving up was never in my nature.
I’m tenacious,
take that for what it’s worth.
I’m not giving up my guns,
I’m not giving up my love;
even miracles
need guardians.
There is a less than subtle difference
between the sword in my hand
and the one they used
to cut you down.
Justice wept
and Grace just crumbled
at the news
of their sister’s demise.
I stand by,
as silent as a battlefield.
Early in the morning,
long before the sun;
I listen
as I work about my garden
for that one, audible “click”
of a cocking hammer.
You reached out for me
delicate as feathers,
yet I feel you,
strong as bronze and angels.
You met me
and the moment I was mourning
became jubilation;
a second resurrection.
I said I’d stand here
in strength
and in weakness,
in war and peace,
in winter
and in spring;
defending you
with my last respiration,
with my last heart beat,
to the bitter end.
HG – 2018