Iona Winter

I remember you, when you were young.

Your rounded face was full of tenderness and wonder.

I can still hear your laughter, a deep chuckle far beyond your years.

You knew things we didn’t.

 

But now, an enraged beast resides,

hacking away,

just beneath the surface, of your beautiful skin.

 

I cannot stand by, and watch you bleed.

 

So many times I’ve bargained with gods, to keep you safe.

Grateful, when my outstretched hands were slapped away,

because it meant you were alive.

I’ve watched you age, in your distress,

with my own despair safely, tucked away.

 

When you fall, I will always pick you up.

I refuse to turn my back.

I can teach you how to tend your wounds.

But I will not pretend, that the shadowy beast has gone.

I am able to see, the glimmers of light in you.

 

I cannot stand by, and watch you bleed.

 

I remember you, when you were young.

Your rounded face, dreamt of things, much better than this.

Now I patiently wait, to hear you laugh.

These days there are things I know, that you do not.

 

I promise to speak out, against cruelty you turn inwards.

My place is to stay, unflinching,

if you choose to clothe yourself in darkness again.

Because, I see the love you’ve always held,

deep down inside your beautiful skin.

 

And I will not stand by, and watch you bleed.