Pyrrhic

Pyrrhic


You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

endless years,
i've watched
as you burdened my heart:
your tearful eyes,
undeserved apologies,
damning cries.

You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

i built a storybook couple;
a tale turned monstrously wrong:
"Beauty and the Beast"
with a nightmare twist.

You've got to stop me!
-i cried, but... not out loud.

we made our home
in my vicious domain,
afraid, even to guess
when madness quickens next.

flash of metal,
sting of blade:
my heart awakens!
-you truly care.

but in my dying moments,
your tears caress my cheek,
bedevil my thoughts.

don't wash away this awakening-
your first and final victory.
I always wanted
so much better for you,
my love.
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Author's note: A man who put his faith in violence is finally redeemed by his wife's desperation, having at last pushed her too far-- accidentally, of course?